A new controversy has erupted between former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and former team manager and sports anchor Dr Nauman Niaz, as the latter has served a legal notice to Akhtar over allegedly defamatory remarks.

Tensions between the two resurfaced following a recent interview in which Shoaib Akhtar made a scathing remark, saying, “Nauman Niaz was hired to carry bags. As a manager, his actual job was to carry players’ bags.”

The comment quickly went viral on social media, sparking fresh debate. Reacting to the statement, Dr Nauman Niaz accused Akhtar of launching a targeted and defamatory campaign.

“Shoaib Akhtar used derogatory words about me that are completely removed from facts,” Nauman stated. “For the last three years, I’ve been facing a systematic defamation campaign, and now I’ve decided to respond legally.”

According to sources, Dr Nauman is also considering filing a damages claim against Shoaib Akhtar. As of now, Akhtar has not issued any official response to the legal notice.

It is worth mentioning that tensions between the two go back to 2021, when they clashed during a live TV show. Since then, both public figures have frequently exchanged barbs on television and social media platforms.