LAHORE: Pakistan Television (PTV) on Thursday decided to take sports anchorperson Nauman Niaz “off-air” following a spat with former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar during a live telecast on PTV Sports two days ago, several media outlets reported.
The decision was taken upon the recommendation of an inquiry committee formed by the PTV to investigate the episode. Geo News, while quoting sources, reported that the recommendation was presented during a meeting of the inquiry committee in which PTV managing director, along with other higher-ups, was present.
During the meeting, the unpleasant episode that occurred between legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar and Niaz was thoroughly discussed and a report prepared in this regard was also reviewed, the media outlet reported.
Meanwhile, speaking to DawnNews, Shoaib Akhtar refused to appear before the inquiry committee formed to investigate the episode. “Whatever happened is out there for everyone to see. The committee can make the decision after watching the videos.”
The incident
The altercation between Akhtar and Niaz had taken place during a post-match analysis after Pakistan’s win against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup fixture on Tuesday. The two were part of a panel for PTV Sports’ programme ‘Game On Hai’.
During a discussion on the Pakistan squad, Akhtar had credited the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) Lahore Qalandars franchise for discovering Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Niaz, however, had taken issue with Akhtar’s comments and 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.”
Once the show had resumed after a break, Akhtar had apologised to the guests on the panel and announced his resignation from PTV, saying he could not continue with the programme because of “how I was treated on national television”.
The episode had caused an uproar on social media with politicians, journalists and mediapersons coming to the former cricketer’s defence and criticising Niaz for his behaviour.
