In a curious set of events, former Pakistan fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar decided to resign from PTV Sports, a state-owned channel of the Pakistan Television Corporation. The resignation came after an argument with a program host Dr Noman Niaz, who is said to be a great friend of Akhtar as well.
The matter developed as Shoaib Akhtar decided to dodge a question from Niaz on whether Pakistan made a meal of the chase and instead started praising Haris Rauf, Lahore Qalalanders who have brought in Rauf and Akib Javed, the former Pakistan pacer and the pace mentor of Qalandars.
Niaz did not look one bit comfortable with how Akhar handled his question and said, “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.”
First Akhar can be seen laughing as he thought that it was a joke and Niaz would curtail his words, but as Niaz moved forward to ask other guests without addressing the issue, the man to have delivered the fastest ball in the world is heard saying ‘excuse me’ before Niaz took a break on the show called ‘Game on hai’.
The Rawalpindi Express in a video uploaded on Twitter explained how it all started with Nauman Niaz.
In the video, Akhtar says, "Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I should clarify. Dr Nauman was obnoxious (sic) and rude when he asked me to leave the show.”
He then went on to explain that he wanted to sort out the matter with Niaz but wanted a public apology for his rude behaviour which he never got and thus decided to leave the show mid-way.
"It was embarrassing especially 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.
“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,” said Akhtar.
The show includes greats like Sir Vivian Richards, David Gower, Rashid Latif, Umar Gul, Aaqib Javed and Pakistan women's team captain Sana Mir as guests and they were all taken aback by the incident. However, Akhtar, deciding to keep his composure apologised to them all before resigning on Live TV and leaving the studios.
"My apologies for this but I am resigning immediately from PTV sports as I have been insulted and treated badly on live television in front of the nation," said Akhtar.