Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan cricket star, is in hot water. He’s known for speaking his mind, but this time he’s gone too far. Dr. Nauman Niaz, the ex-sports director of a Pakistan TV network, has slapped him with a defamation notice. Nauman claims Shoaib tarnished his reputation.
The controversy started when Shoaib appeared on a podcast, calling Nauman the “kit man” – a term used for someone who carries cricket gear. Shoaib said Nauman’s job was to carry bags and equipment for the team during tours. But Nauman was actually a data analyst for the Pakistan cricket team back then.
Nauman is furious, saying Shoaib’s comments were meant to demean him. Shoaib had criticized the team’s coach and management, questioning their roles. He claimed Nauman only carried kits for players, and he wasn’t aware of any other responsibilities Nauman had.
Now, Nauman’s lawyer has sent Shoaib a defamation notice, demanding an apology within 14 days. If Shoaib doesn’t comply, he’ll face legal action and pay damages. This isn’t the first time Nauman and Shoaib have clashed. They had a heated argument during a live TV show a while back, which ended with Nauman apologizing to Shoaib.
Shoaib currently runs his own YouTube channel, which is banned in India. This has likely affected his income. The 49-year-old is considered one of the most feared fast bowlers of his time, with 178 Test, 247 ODI, and 19 T20 wickets under his belt.