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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
24-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Let wrestling heal your wounds
The air is salty today. It's not because the sea in Karachi has moved in closer – as if the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi would let it. No, there's something different. I went out to have tea and paratha at a nearby dhaba. Not only did the paratha taste saltier, but the tea as well. I thought I hadn't settled the account with Khan chacha, and this was his passive-aggressive way of reminding me to pay up. But no, that wasn't the case. On the way back, I could still smell salt. I thought maybe the sewers were overflowing. They do 364 days of the year, but not today. My daydreaming led me to imagine Denis Villeneuve making the third Dune sequel in Karachi, but instead of spice, it'd have an abundance of salt and result in wars being fought over the control of the you guessed it salt. But I really was not daydreaming about salt. It's there, I could swear. When I came home and opened my social media, I finally understood the reason. The air was salty, thanks to the tears of Pakistani cricket fans. Those who watched yesterday's Pakistan vs India cricket match at the ICC Champions Trophy had been sobbing for so long that they inadvertently caused a minor cooling effect. Science, right? And here I was balancing our climate by laughing too hard at the walking, breathing, crying emojis all around me. On Instagram, a user posted a photo of Aamir Khan's cricket team in Lagaan saying, "At this point, we can all agree that this team can win against the Pakistani cricket team as well." I mean, at this point, our neighbourhood gully cricket team can beat the national cricket team too. While the internet continued to mock the Pakistan cricket team on an absolutely god-awful performance against long-time rival India, we at least got some good entertainment out of it. India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets and the general reactions have been: The first host of the Champions Trophy 2025, the country who spent crores building stadiums, who still couldn't convince the Indian team to visit and play here, got beaten like a rented mule and kicked off the tournament after the first two matches. What could possibly be more embarrassing than that? Even the veteran Shoaib Akhtar was disappointed. "It wasn't anything new, anything that hasn't happened before," he said while discussing the Pakistan cricket team's performance on a PTV Sports show. "It's not just about the intent. I think they don't even have the skill. If they did, they wouldn't play like this. Poor management, brainless captaincy with an absolutely average team. There's nothing to talk about here. They don't know anything." If it were a one-time poor performance, we could call it bad luck. But as Akhtar said, it's nothing new. It's similar to when I tell myself to indulge in Dileep Sweets from Larkana. "It's my cheat day," I say. I repeat it the next day, and so on, because in my heart of hearts, I know that it's a 'cheat life'. On another note, I know for a fact that those who live in Gulshan-e-Iqbal or breathe the same air that flows through National Stadium pray for every match to finish as quickly as Kohli did the honours in Dubai. The roadblocks, the traffic jams make for a perfect starter for the Pakistani main course that you keep gulping down in search of taste, eventually ending up with an upset stomach; all of which you knew was going to happen and yet you went for it.. This is why being a wrestling fan is great. There is still tribalism and competition and criticism but at the end of the day, we enjoy it. Yes, it's scripted. Our eyes don't pop out when you tell us, "Oh, but it's fake". Thanks, Captain Obvious, go back to the island of irrelevance. With professional wrestling, you are certain not to be disappointed. On SmackDown, you could watch the tag team division wow you with fantastic athleticism and performances - something you definitely don't get in cricket or at least when there's team Pakistan separating the ball and the bat. You also get the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes and The Rock in a promo battle. You also get the angsty Kevin Owens who is so full of hatred against former friends that he stalks their families at home and makes videos of himself crying and lashing out in his car – a true teenager at heart combined with the soul of Joe Goldberg. You get Tiffy Time with Women's champion Tiffany Stratton. You get Jacob Fatu, the breakout star of 2025 so far, make his way through the Bloodline storyline, and impress everyone with his magnetic, terrifying persona. Yadadamean? On Raw, you can watch CM Punk drop pipe-bombs, and the World Champion Gunther dominate the sacred square ring with his vein-popping chops and hard-hitting powerbombs. You get brilliant stories and characters who you can follow, who will not disappoint you, whose journeys will show development and growth, and you grow with them. You get Drew McIntyre's pettiness, Liv Morgan and her love affair with Rey Mysterio's son Dominik, and Rhea Rhipley's rage. If that doesn't entertain you, we have John Cena on his retirement tour going all out this year to try and win the record-breaking 17th world title. With WrestleMania coming up in April, the world is abuzz with many great stories coming to a climax and many new stories springing up soon after. Did I say being a wrestling fan is more fun than being a cricket fan? Because it is. We relate to being disappointed and heartbroken when Brock Lesnar broke the Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak in 2014, or when Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumble in 2015. But those days are gone. This is the Paul Levesque aka Triple H era. And the only question that matters is: Are you ready? When the tears have dried up, and you're ready to mend your heart and find happiness in life, are you ready to put on a wrestling show and chill out in the evening? As Morty in Rick and Morty might say, "Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere. Everybody's gonna die. Come watch wrestling." Paap Culture is a space about cynical commentary on bizarre pop culture happenings.
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Afg vs SA ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted lineup and match details
Afghanistan will take on South Africa in the Group B opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The Afghans, buoyed by their recent 2-1 series win over the Proteas, will aim to continue their fine ODI form, while South Africa, now at full strength, looks to bounce back from their Tri-Series struggles. Match Details Date: Friday, February 21, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM PST / 1:30 PM (toss) Venue: National Bank Stadium, Karachi Live Broadcast: Ten Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad Predicted Playing XIs Afghanistan will be strengthened by the return of Ibrahim Zadran, who is set to reunite with Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top. The duo has been a key asset, averaging 48.84 as an opening pair. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will anchor the middle order, while Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will lead the spin attack. Afghan players will be boosted by their experience of playing in Pakistan previously. Afghanistan's probable XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik South Africa welcomes back key players after their SA20 league commitments. Temba Bavuma leads a formidable squad featuring Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kagiso Rabada. Ryan Rickelton is expected to edge out Tony de Zorzi for a spot in the XI. South Africa's probable XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi Head-to-Head South Africa and Afghanistan have faced each other five times in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with South Africa holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record. The Proteas have secured three victories, while Afghanistan has won twice. As both teams prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan will look to level the record, while South Africa aims to extend their dominance. Pitch Report & Match Outlook Karachi's National Bank Stadium offers a balanced surface, with early assistance for pacers and increasing aid for spinners as the match progresses. Chasing has been favourable in ODIs at this venue. Afghanistan enters with confidence after their recent series win over South Africa, but with the Proteas now at full strength, they will start as favourites. A competitive contest awaits in this crucial Group B fixture.
Express Tribune
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted lineup and match details
Karachi is set to host the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener tomorrow, where defending champions Pakistan will take on a determined New Zealand side. With both teams aiming to make a strong start, squad selections and playing conditions will play a crucial role in shaping the contest. Pakistan vs New Zealand: Match details Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM PST (Toss at 1:30 PM IST) Venue: National Stadium, Karachi Live Broadcast: Ten Sports, PTV Sports Predicted playing XIs Pakistan's lineup looks well-balanced, with an in-form Babar Azam leading a formidable batting unit. Rizwan's leadership and consistency behind the stumps will be crucial, while Fakhar Zaman's aggressive start could set the tone. In the bowling department, the pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will look to exploit early movement. Rizwan also confirmed in a press conference on today that Haris Rauf is fit. He could possibly feature for Pakistan in their opening match as well. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is also expected to play a vital role on home soil. Pakistan's probable XI: Fakhar Zaman Babar Azam Saud Shakeel Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) Salman Ali Agha Tayyab Tahir Khushdil Shah Shaheen Shah Afridi Naseem Shah Abrar Ahmed Haris Rauf New Zealand, despite Lockie Ferguson's unfortunate injury ruling him out of the tournament, still presents a strong squad. Kane Williamson's presence in the middle order is a major boost, while Devon Conway and Will Young will be key at the top. The bowling attack, led by Santner, will rely on Matt Henry's pace and Jamieson's bounce to challenge Pakistan's batters. New Zealand's probable XI: Will Young Devon Conway Kane Williamson Rachin Ravindra Daryl Mitchell Tom Latham (wk) Glenn Phillips Mitchell Santner (c) Nathan Smith Matt Henry Kyle Jamieson National Stadium pitch report The pitch at Karachi's National Stadium has historically been batting-friendly, but early movement for pacers cannot be ruled out. As the game progresses, the surface should favour batters, while spinners could find some grip later on Head-to-Head & recent form Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other multiple times in ICC tournaments, with Pakistan holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record. Both teams recently competed in a tri-series alongside South Africa, with New Zealand finishing on a high and Pakistan showing flashes of brilliance. Match outlook With Pakistan banking on home advantage and New Zealand eager to prove their mettle, the opening encounter promises to be a thrilling clash. Both teams have strong top orders, match-winning all-rounders, and varied bowling attacks, making the battle for an early edge in the tournament even more intense.
