T20 World Cup LIVE – Shoaib Akhtar insulted on national TV, resigns from PTV Sports – Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dramatically resigned on-air and walked off from the Game On Hai show on PTV Sports on Tuesday night after being insulted by host Dr Nauman Niaz. Akhtar was one of the guests alongside Sir Viv Richards and David Gower as they discussed the Pakistan vs New Zealand game from the ongoing T20 World Cup. The Men in Green won the game to put themselves in pole position to make it to the semis, thanks to Haris Rauf’s epic four-wicket haul that set the stage – Follow LIVE Updates from World Cup on InsideSport.in
T20 World Cup LIVE: Shoaib Akhtar dramatically resigns on-air, walks off after being insulted by host on national TV
Shoaib Akhtar Insulted – What exactly happened? The PTV Sports show Game on Hai witnessed some unwanted drama on Tuesday night after Shoaib Akhtar walked off midway while analysing the Pakistan vs New Zealand game on national TV. Known fondly as the Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar credited the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars team for scouting Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Afridi was the star against India, picking up the wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, while Rauf chipped in with the four-fer in Pakistan vs New Zealand clash.
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
However, host Nauman Niaz seemed to take offense and hit back at Shoaib for his comments. Niaz cut a dumbstruck Shoaib short and fired back saying, “You’re being a little rude and I don’t want to say this: but if you’re being over smart, you can go. I am saying this on air.”
T20 World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar dramatically resigns on-air, walks off after being insulted by host on national TV
Shoaib Akhtar looked stunned and caught off-guard as it remained as to what rubbed of Niaz. The tension heightened following the interruption, and Niaz called for a commercial break. While the show resumed, the atmosphere was still fiery and Akhtar couldn’t get over the way he had been cut off after making an effort for the same.
@shoaib100mph is our pride, no one can insult him on National TV. PM should take notice and will remove Dr. Nauman Niaz from PTV Sports. #iSupportShoaibAkther pic.twitter.com/H4XQl8dA5F
— Faakhir Rizvi (@FaakhirRizvi) October 26, 2021
He decided to resign from PTV Sports after apologising to the other guests, which included the likes of Sana Mir, Sir Viv Richards and David Gower, among others. Akhtar said, “A lot of apologies guys, a lot of apologies. I am resigning from PTV. The way I have been treated on national TV, I don’t think I should be sitting here right now. So, I am resigning. Thank you very much.”
Nauman Niaz, seemingly undeterred by Shoaib Akhtar’s departure, continued reading from his script as if nothing had happened. The Rawalpindi Express later issued a video statement on Twitter clarifying his position on the matter, saying that he had been ready to bury the hatchet to prevent further embarrassment. However, Shoaib said he did ask for an apology on air from Niaz, which the Game on Hai saw host refused to give.
T20 World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar dramatically resigns on-air, walks off after being insulted by host on national TV
Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I shud clarify. pic.twitter.com/ob8cnbvf90
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 26, 2021
Shoaib said on Twitter, “Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I should clarify. Dr Noman was obnoxious and rude wen he asked me to leave the show, it was embarrassing specially when you have legends like Sir Vivian Richards and David Gower sitting on the set with some of my contemporaries and seniors and millions watching.”
He added, “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 apologise and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then I had no other choice.”
The former Pakistan pacer found sympathy and support on Twitter, with a host of fans asking Nauman Niaz to be sacked from his role, for insulting a national legend on live TV.
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