Nauman Niaz serves legal notice to Shoaib Akhtar over alleged defamatory remarks

Renowned sports journalist and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) media head, Dr Nauman Niaz, issued a legal notice to former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar following allegedly defamatory remarks made during a digital broadcast.

Through a statement published on X (formerly Twitter), Dr Niaz alleged that Shoaib Akhtar had conducted a prolonged and one-sided defamation campaign against him via television channels and digital media. “For three years using television channels & digital media platforms, a one-sided malicious defamation campaign was continued. Example of many such indiscretions are available,” he stated.

Dr Niaz accused Akhtar of having delivered further derogatory statements contrary to factual accounts. He asserted, “Shoaib Akhtar let fly again. He passed derogatory remarks contrary to the reality. Eventually, the silence could no longer be mistaken for acquiescence. On the advice of counsel, a line has now been drawn formally, firmly. A legal notice has been issued to Mr Shoaib Akhtar.”

The legal action followed Akhtar’s remarks during a digital broadcast, where he allegedly claimed that Dr Niaz had been employed merely to carry players’ bags and described it as his “actual responsibility.”