Shoaib Akhtar mulls approaching court against ‘character assassination’

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is mulling approaching legal action over his heated spat with Pakistan Television (PTV) host Dr Nauman Niaz.

Akhtar was part of an eight-member panel that includes the likes of Sir Vivian Richards, David Gower, Sana Mir on PTV Sports show Game On Hai.

The unpleasant situation emerged when the panelists were analysing Pakistan’s performance in their face-off against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.

The video clips from the particular segment started doing rounds on social media, while people expressed anger towards Dr Niaz for disrespecting a national hero on live television.

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Dr Nauman Niaz and Shoaib Akhtar had a harsh exchange of words during live PTV transmission. pic.twitter.com/nE0OhhtjIm

— Kamran Malik (@Kamran_KIMS) October 26, 2021

An inquiry committee was formed yesterday to look into the matter after an uproar on social media. From cricket lovers to Pakistani celebs, everyone supported Akhtar and asked Dr Niaz to apologise to the national hero.

However, Akhtar has now refused to appear before the inquiry committee. 

“The incident did not take place inside a room that appeared before the inquiry committee,” the 46-year-old ex-pacer told Bol News.

“The entire world saw the incident live [on their TV screens]. I will not appear before any probe committee until Dr Nauman Niaz is holding his position,” Akhtar clarified.

“I am thinking about going to court for my character assassination,” said the Rawalpindi express.