Latest news with #DefamationOrdinance2002
United News of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Shoaib Akhtar gets legal notice from broadcaster
Islamabad, May 31 (UNI) Veteran sports broadcaster and former PTV Sports anchor Dr Nauman Niaz has served a legal notice to former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, alleging a sustained "malicious defamation campaign" over a period of three years, conducted via television channels and digital media platforms. In a post on social media platform X, Dr Niaz stated that the campaign against him had been "one-sided" and included repeated personal attacks and "derogatory remarks contrary to reality." He specifically cited Episode 31 of Dug Out, streamed on the Tamasha app on May 25, as a recent example, where Akhtar allegedly made fresh defamatory statements. "Eventually, the silence could no longer be mistaken for acquiescence," Dr Niaz posted. "On the advice of counsel, a line has now been drawn formally, firmly. A legal notice has been issued to Mr Shoaib Akhtar." The notice was served on May 29, by Advocate Qazi Umair Ali on behalf of Dr Niaz. The defamation claim centres around remarks made by Akhtar in which he allegedly described Dr Niaz as a kit man who carried players' bags during his tenure with the national team, an assertion Dr Niaz has labelled as false, derogatory, and damaging to his reputation. The legal notice demands an unconditional public apology and a formal retraction of the remarks made. The notice also sets a deadline of 14 days for compliance, failing which defamation proceedings will be initiated under Pakistan's Defamation Ordinance 2002, including a claim for Rs 1 billion in damages. Dr Niaz has emphasised that he has held significant administrative roles within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has contributed extensively to the field of sports journalism over the years. He contends that Akhtar's remarks are part of a broader pattern of targeted attacks intended to undermine his professional standing. This is not the first time the two public figures have clashed. In October 2021, a widely publicised incident during a live broadcast on PTV Sports saw Dr Niaz asking Akhtar to leave the studio mid-show following an on-air disagreement. The episode sparked national debate and led to both figures being taken off-air temporarily pending an inquiry. The developing row has reignited discussions in Pakistan's cricketing and media circles about professional decorum, accountability, and the consequences of public defamation. UNI BDN GNK
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shoaib Akhtar faces legal action from Dr Nauman Niaz over televised remarks
Listen to article Television host and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Dr Nauman Niaz has served a defamation notice of Rs1 billion to former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. The notice follows a televised statement made by the former Pakistani pacer during an appearance on a TV programme on May 25. During the broadcast segment titled The Dug Out, Shoaib stated that Dr Nauman 'used to carry our bags' and that 'he was kept for that purpose.' The remark was circulated on social media and received widespread attention. A legal notice, dated May 29, was issued by Dr Nauman's legal counsel. The document states that the comment was factually incorrect, and that it was intended to harm Dr Nauman's professional standing. The notice demands a public apology and formal retraction within 14 days, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated under the Defamation Ordinance 2002. Dr Nauman has previously held positions within the Pakistan Cricket Board, and has written articles for various national and international publications. The notice states that the comment by Shoaib reduced his professional history to a claim unsupported by evidence. The statement is described in the legal document as part of a broader pattern of conduct that Dr Nauman alleges has continued for the past three years. Shoaib has not issued a response to the notice as of the date of reporting. A previous incident involving Shoaib and Dr Nauman occurred in October 2021, during a live broadcast of PTV (Pakistan Television Corporation) Sports' programme. The panel also featured international cricket personalities including Sir Vivian Richards, David Gower, Sana Mir, and Umar Gul, and was focused on Pakistan's five-wicket win against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match. READ MORE: Niaz, Akhtar taken off air after on-screen spat During the discussion, Shoaib credited the Pakistan Super League's Lahore Qalandars franchise for discovering fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. Dr Nauman interrupted the exchange, stating on air that Shoaib was 'being a little rude' and added, 'If you're being over-smart then you can go. I am saying this on air.' Following a commercial break, Shoaib apologised to the other panel members and announced his resignation from PTV Sports, stating that he could not continue due to the manner in which he had been treated on national television. Subsequently, the PTV issued a Rs100 million recovery notice to Shoaib in relation to the incident and his resignation. Shoaib described the move as disappointing and said he would contest the matter legally. Shoaib Akhtar clocked the fastest delivery in cricketing history at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) during a 2003 World Cup match versus England - a speed record that stands unbeaten.
