Shoaib Akhtar Faces Legal Action Over Defamatory Remarks

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar is facing serious legal issues after Dr. Nauman Niaz accused him of defamation over controversial remarks made during a TV interview. The dispute escalated when Dr. Nauman demanded a public apology and threatened legal action if Akhtar fails to comply. This incident adds to their history of public clashes, raising questions about the future of their professional interactions. Read on to discover the details of this unfolding drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2025, 14:47 IST

Shoaib Akhtar's Controversial Statement Sparks Legal Trouble

Shoaib Akhtar, the former fast bowler from Pakistan, is no stranger to making headlines with his outspoken comments. However, his latest remarks may have serious repercussions. Dr. Nauman Niaz, a well-known Pakistani sports anchor and celebrity, has sent a legal notice demanding around Rs 100 crore in damages, alleging defamation.

During an episode of the television program 'The Dug Out' aired on May 25, Akhtar claimed that Dr. Nauman had previously carried players' bags, suggesting this was the reason for his inclusion in the team. This assertion quickly gained traction on social media.

Dr. Nauman's Strong Response

Dr. Nauman has vehemently denied Akhtar's claims, labeling them as factually incorrect and a calculated attempt to tarnish his professional image.

Details of the Legal Notice

In the legal notice dated May 29, Dr. Nauman has requested that Shoaib Akhtar publicly apologize without conditions and retract his statement within a 14-day timeframe. If he fails to comply, legal proceedings will follow.

Dr. Nauman also asserts that Akhtar has made disparaging comments about him over the last three years. As of now, Shoaib Akhtar has not addressed the legal notice or the ongoing controversy.

Previous Conflicts Between the Two

This incident is not the first public clash between Akhtar and Dr. Nauman. In October 2021, during a live broadcast, Dr. Nauman asked Shoaib to leave the show, calling him 'over smart.' This led to Akhtar walking off the set, resulting in PTV seeking Rs 10 crore in damages from him.