PTV Sports presenter Dr. Nauman Niaz has finally apologized to Shoaib Akhtar for his verbal spat with the latter during a live TV show, following strong criticism from Pakistanis.
Last month, cricket fans were outraged by Akhtar’s “insult” on a state-owned television program. In the presence of cricket superstars such as Sir Viv Richards and David Gower, the TV host had told the cricketer to leave the broadcast.
During a request to fire Niaz, an investigation was launched, and he was removed from the air by PTV management.
The presenter claimed in a statement posted to his YouTube channel on Thursday that the reaction to what he did on-air was justified, and that “I can apologize for a thousand of times over my behavior.”
Niaz said, “Whatever the reason, I had no right to do all this on-air, it was my fault. Shoaib Akhtar is a star and I love his cricket.”
Niaz revealed that his father told him after the show that he did not anticipate this behavior from him [Niaz] and that it was a mistake.
Niaz stated that he should have handled the matter differently because Akhtar was the show’s star, and he was merely the host. He said, “It shouldn’t have happened. I’m ready to pay the price and am paying.”
Akhtar had previously stated on Geo News’ Jashn-e-Cricket that he has forgiven Dr. Niaz for the benefit of the country and state institutions. Furthermore, Akhtar revealed that he sat down for a little while before leaving the show, at the request of the West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards.
Akhtar said, “I did all this so that other stars won’t have to suffer the same fate. I don’t hate anybody.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan was also aware of the situation, according to Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad, who said the leader had demanded quick action.
What happened?
During the PTV Sports show Game on Hai on October 27, Akhtar and Niaz got into a fight.
Tensions between the show’s host and the former cricketer erupted while the two were discussing Pakistan’s victory over New Zealand.
Niaz appeared to take offense and snapped back at Akhtar while he was going through some cricket knowledge, during which he attributed the Pakistan Super League’s Lahore Qalandars club with discovering Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
“You’re being a little impolite, and I hate to say it, but if you’re being overly intelligent, you can leave.” This is something I’m saying live on the radio Niaz had told a bemused Akhtar, then cut him off and moved on to the next guest for their response.
When the show resumed, Akhtar apologized to the audience and said that he could not continue owing to the host’s disrespectful behavior and resigned.
