Shoaib Akhtar slapped with Rs 100 million defamation notice after Pakistan Television controversy

Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), on Sunday, November 7, served former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar with a defamation notice of Rs 100 million after his spat with anchor Dr. Nauman Niaz during a TV show. On Tuesday, October 26, the anchor had asked the 46-year-old Akhtar to leave the show, ‘Game On Hai’ after which the latter resigned from the channel.

Akhtar was one of the panelists on the show along with West Indies’ Viv Richards and England’s David Gower. In the notice, the broadcasted mentioned that Akhtar’s resignation was a violation of the clause and resulted in massive financial losses to PTV Sports.

“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,” the notice read, The Express Tribune reported.

Shoaib Akhtar in trouble

In the notice, Akhtar was also accused of featuring in a show organised by an Indian channel without serving a required notice period. The show also featured veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

“You [Akhtar] also left Dubai during T20 World Cup transmission without any prior information to PTVC management. Besides, appearance on an Indian TV show along with Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, also caused irreparable losses to PTV,” it stated.

As per the notice, Akhtar also made himself absent from the ‘Game On Hai’ show that began on October 17, 2021 “whereas you were bound to appear on PTV Sports throughout the World Cup”.

Akhtar has now been asked to pay a hefty amount of Rs 100 million as damages to go with an amount of “Rs3,333,000, equivalent to a three-month salary”.

Amidst the controversy, Akhtar dropped in a tweet where he expressed his disappointment and agony over the entire fiasco. The retired pacer also said that “I am a fighter” and pledged to fight the legal battle with the help of his lawyer, Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi.

He took to Twitter and wrote, “Utterly Disappointed. After miserably failing to safeguard my respect & repute while i was working for PTV, they have now sent me a Recovery Notice.”

Utterly Disappointed. 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.

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 7, 2021