Aaj Logo

Published 08 Nov, 2021 11:19am

Shoaib Akhtar to fight PTV after receiving Rs100m defamation notice

Welcome

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar announced on Sunday plans to pursue a legal battle against Pakistan Television after they served him with a Rs100 million defamation notice.

In a tweet on Sunday, Akhtar said: "After miserably failing to safeguard my respect & repute while I was working for PTV, they have now sent me a Recovery Notice. I am a fighter & will not give up & fight this legal battle. My lawyer @SalmanKNiazi1 will take this forward according to law."

Akhtar resigned on a live discussion of PTV's Game on Hai last month after the host Dr Nauman Niaz who asked the former fast bowler to leave the show following a heated exchange.

The incident caused huge outrage on social media with many showing their support for Akhtar and asking for Niaz to resign.

PTV suspended both men from appearing on the show until it conducted an inquiry.

On Sunday, however, it sent the fast bowler a notice, saying Akhter's resignation from PTV sports was a violation of the clauses which also resulted in huge financial losses to the organisation.

“As per clause 22, both sides shall have right to terminate his agreement by serving three months’ written notice or payment in lieu thereof. Whereas, Shoaib Akhtar resigned on air on October 26 which has resulted into huge financial losses to PTV,” reads the notice.

A social media user shared a legal notice sent to PTV Sports Managing Director Amir Manzoor and asked Niaz to tender a public apology to Akhtar and his fans for the host's misconduct.

On Friday, Niaz apologized to Akhtar on Rauf Klasra's YouTube channel saying he regretted insulting him on a live TV show. The cricket star accepted his apology, saying he did so for sake of the country and state institutions.

However, following news of the defamation suit, some believed Niaz to be behind this move.

One Twitter user, for example, supported Akhtar's decision to pursue a legal battle with the state broadcaster.

Other users also supported Akhtar's decision.

Read Comments