Islamabad, June 3, 2025: Former Pakistan cricket star Shoaib Akhtar has been issued a defamation notice demanding Rs1 billion from sports journalist and ex-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Nauman Niaz, reigniting a longstanding feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan cricket.
The legal notice, dated May 29, alleges that Akhtar made “baseless” and “unethical” remarks about Niaz during a TV appearance on May 25. In the show, Akhtar reportedly said that Nauman Niaz “used to carry our bags” and “he was kept for that purpose.” According to the notice obtained by media outlets, these statements were factually incorrect and amounted to an assault on Niaz’s dignity and reputation.
The defamation notice accuses Akhtar of using “foul and defamatory language” with the intention of damaging Niaz’s reputation, which he claims was earned through years of hard work. It further asserts that the false remarks have lowered Niaz’s standing among peers, subjected him to ridicule, unjust criticism, and contempt, causing significant financial and reputational harm.
Nauman Niaz has demanded a public apology and retraction from Akhtar within 14 days, warning that failure to comply will result in legal action under the Defamation Ordinance 2002, with damages sought amounting to Rs1 billion.
In response, Shoaib Akhtar posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the defamation notice is “legally defective, unfounded, ego-satisfying, and utterly frivolous.” He stated that he has engaged a lawyer to draft a strong reply to the notice.
This latest clash between Akhtar and Niaz is not unprecedented. In 2021, the two were involved in a controversial exchange during a PTV Sports panel discussion. Akhtar praised the Pakistan Super League’s Lahore Qalandars franchise for discovering young fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, but Niaz objected to his remarks in a manner that sparked tension.
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Following a break in the show, Akhtar apologized to the guests and announced his resignation from PTV, citing the disrespect he faced on national television. Soon after, Nauman Niaz issued an unconditional apology for his outburst, admitting his mistake and praising Akhtar as a “rock star,” while acknowledging that his reaction was unbecoming.
The ongoing rivalry between Shoaib Akhtar and Nauman Niaz continues to draw significant attention within Pakistan’s cricket community. It highlights the delicate balance between outspoken sports commentary and professional respect, particularly involving former players and cricket administrators or journalists.
This incident serves as another chapter in the complex relationship between cricket personalities in Pakistan, with legal, reputational, and media consequences unfolding in real time.
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