Shoaib Akhtar has released an emotional message regarding his love for Pakistan on Instagram account following his resignation from PTV Sport on Tuesday. Former Pakistani cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, had a heated exchange with host Dr. Nauman Niaz.
“Pakistan is my identity and I’ve never let my country down. I’ve given my blood and sweat to this country. I leave it in the hands of my fellow countrymen to decide between right and wrong,” Shoaib Akhar said. He posted his message on his Instagram. Since the unpleasant episode, Shoaib Akhtar has racked up immense support from fans and celebrities.
— Taha Sadaqat (@TahaSadaqat) October 27, 2021
Shoaib Akhtar was part of the panel of the show ‘Game On Hai’ discussing Pakistan’s win against New Zealand in its second match T20 World Cup 2021. During the discussion, Shoaib Akhtar said that Lahore Qalandars- a franchise of the Pakistan Super League should be credited for finding Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Dr. Nauman Niaz took the offense and snapped back at Shoaib Akhtar. “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,” Niaz told a dumbstruck Shoaib, cutting him short and moving to the next guest for their comment.
Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I shud clarify.dr noman was abnoxious and rude wen he asked me to leave the show,it was embarrassing specially wen u have legends like sir Vivian Richards and David gower sitting on the set with some of my contemporaries
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 26, 2021
and seniors and millions watching. I tried to save everyone from embarrassment by saying I was pulling dr nomans 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 .
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 26, 2021
It is not clear what irked Dr.Nauman Niaz but Shoaib Akhtar was left disappointed. Soon after the incident, the host went on break. The show resumed but the atmosphere remained charged. Later, he decided to resign from the panel of PTV Sports. He apologized to other panelists including Sana Mir, Sir Vivian Richards, and David Gower among others.
“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,” he said, before unclipping his mic and getting up from the table.
Our national heroes have put us on the world map for years…#ShoaibAkhtar is our cricket Legend, I am absolutely appalled at the misbehaviour & disrespect shown to him by a tv anchor, no justification whatsoever!
Sir, we respect you & THANKYOU for your services to Pakistan! 🇵🇰— MAWRA HUSSAIN (@MawraHocane) October 28, 2021
Strongly criticize rage of Dr. Nauman Niaz to Shoaib Akthar @shoaib100mph who is an asset to our country. We need to respect and leave aside any personal grudge if any on National television.
Unconditional apology to our speedster is a must— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) October 27, 2021
Dr. Nauman Niaz continued the show as Shoaib Akhtar walked away from the show.
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Later, Shoaib Akhtar released a video clip on his Twitter account in which he said that he was ready to move past the argument, however, demanded an apology from Dr. Nauman Niaz which he refused to do. Hence, he resigned from the show.
“Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I should clarify. Dr. Noman was obnoxious and rude when he asked me to leave the show, 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.
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“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 apologize and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then I had no other choice,” Shoaib wrote on Twitter.
The incident stoked outrage from social media users as netizens slammed Dr. Nauman Riaz for rude behavior with Shoaib Akhtar.
Several government dignitaries have called out the host and demanded them to apologize to the Shoaib Akhtar. Since Tuesday night, Shoaib Akhtar, Dr.Nauman Niaz has been trending top on social media.