On Thursday (28 October), Pakistan Television said that anchorperson Dr. Nauman Niaz and former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would be pulled “off-air” until the investigation into the heated confrontation between the two was concluded.
The state broadcaster stated the investigation was ongoing in a statement released on Twitter. As per the Statement, “It has been decided that Niaz and Akhtar will be taken off air until the inquiry is completed.”
It further stated that neither of them would be able to appear on any PTV program until the investigation is completed and all facts are known.
Shoaib Akhtar in response to the statement released by PTV said, “Well that’s hilarious. I resigned in front of 220 million Pakistanis and billions across the world. Is PTV crazy or what? Who are they to off air me?”
Earlier today, the former fast bowler refused to appear before the inquiry committee set up to investigate the event, which occurred two days ago during a live broadcast on PTV Sports.
Akhtar said, “Whatever happened is out there for everyone to see. The committee can make the decision after watching the videos of the show.”
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with politicians, journalists, and media figures defending the former cricketer and criticizing Niaz for his actions.
Fawad Chaudhry, the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, had stated that a committee will be formed to investigate the incident, and the PTV administration had subsequently formed an inquiry committee.
Senator Faisal Javed, the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, expressed regret for the occurrence and stated that the issue would be brought before the committee.
Furthermore, the senator tweeted, “It’s not only about our heroes but also about our prestige and dignity. It’s also about our state broadcaster. Very unprofessionally handled. When everyone is praising Pakistan and acknowledging its tremendous performance in World Cup why would you do it? Respect your heroes.”
The incident
After Pakistan’s triumph against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, an altercation between Akhtar and Niaz occurred during a post-match analysis.
Akhtar and Niaz were on-air as part of the show called ‘Game On Hai’, which also had other guests present like West Indies batting legend Sir Vivian Richards, former England captain David Gower, former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir and former fast bowler Umar Gul.
During a conversation about the Pakistan team, Akhtar credited the Lahore Qalandars franchise in the Pakistan Super League for unearthing Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Niaz, in response to this, said, “You are being a little rude so I don’t want to say this but if you’re being over-smart then you can go. I am saying this on air.”
After the show returned after a commercial break, Akhtar apologized to the guests on the panel and announced his departure from PTV, citing “how I was treated on national television” is the reason why he is leaving.
In another scene from the show, though, Akhtar is heard encouraging Niaz to convince the audience that “it was all premeditated.”
“What we did was just try to gain more TRP (television rating point),” he says in the video, adding that the anchor is his “favorite man” and that he enjoys “pulling his legs.”
Shoaib Akhtar’s clarification
Later, Akhtar refuted the assumption that the incident was staged to raise TRP by providing context to his own words, which looked to admit it was a stunt on the surface.
Shoaib Akhtar in a video message said, “I tried to save everyone from embarrassment by saying I was pulling Dr. Noman’s leg with this mutual understanding that Dr. Noman will also politely apologies and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then I had no other choice.”
