ISLAMABAD: The long-standing tension between former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and sports journalist Dr Nauman Niaz flared up again after Niaz served Akhtar with a Rs1 billion defamation notice on Monday.
The notice, dated May 29, accuses Akhtar of making “baseless” and “unethical” remarks about Niaz during a recent TV appearance. On May 25, Akhtar, speaking on a private news channel, claimed that Niaz “used to carry our bags” during earlier cricket tours, implying a subordinate role.
“This comment was not only factually incorrect, it was an attack on memory and dignity,” the notice read, describing Akhtar’s words as “defamatory and foul,” aimed at damaging Niaz’s hard-earned reputation.
According to the legal notice, Akhtar’s remarks subjected Niaz to “ridicule, unjust criticism, and contempt,” and could result in significant reputational and financial damage.
Akhtar has been asked to issue a public apology and retract his statement within 14 days, failing which Niaz will pursue legal action under the Defamation Ordinance 2002, seeking damages amounting to Rs1 billion.
Responding on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar dismissed the notice as “legally defective, unfounded, ego-satisfying and utterly frivolous.” He added that his legal team is preparing an appropriate response.
This is not the first public clash between the two. In 2021, a heated exchange between Akhtar and Niaz during a live PTV Sports broadcast led to Akhtar resigning on air. Niaz later issued an unconditional apology, admitting his behaviour was “unbecoming” and acknowledging that public outrage against him was justified.
The latest development marks a renewed escalation in what has become one of Pakistani sports media’s most high-profile rivalries.
