Who is PTV’s ‘Game on Hai’ host Dr Nauman Niaz?

Dr. Nauman Niaz has become a trending topic since last night after his rude remarks made Shoaib Akhtar not only walk out from a live show but also resign as a cricket analyst from PTV.

Social media users since then have been mocking the ‘Game on Hai’ host and applauding Shoaib Akhtar for his bravery, who decided to leave in the middle of the show but still, the host decided to continue with his questions. Many people are in speculation and came up with one possibility that Dr. Nauman Niaz might have quite a dtrong background based on his audacious behaviour against the legendary cricketer.

Who is Dr. Nauman Niaz?

Nauman Niaz is a cricket correspondent, Director Sports and Syndication of the PTVC, and a writer. In his career, he has written articles for various newspapers and has anchored numerous live shows about cricket.

His work as a writer

Nauman Niaz has authored Pakistan Cricket ‘The Story of Betrayal’ (2010) and is the official historian of Pakistan Cricket. His book ‘The Fluctuating Fortunes’ was commissioned by the Pakistan Cricket Board and launched in 2005.

Recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz

Nauman Niaz was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, which is Pakistan’s Civil Award for his contributions to sports journalism and broadcasting.

Niaz’s background

Hailing from Lahore, he received his early education in Rawalpindi. His father was a Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army.

Nauman Niaz and cricket 

In 1999, Nauman Niaz joined the Pakistan Cricket Board as Media Coordinator and was promoted to Manager Coordinator of the Asian Cricket Council. Soon afterwards, he was appointed as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s media manager.

Nauman Niaz and journalism 

Niaz’s television career started in 1996 from the PTV. The same year, he was asked to host the pre and post-match analysis during the World Cup in 1996 which became popular in no time. He has been also influential in bringing various foreign cricketers of repute as in-house guests on PTV’s post-match analysis shows.

Why is Niaz trending on social media?

The host became a hot topic among social media users within the night after his rude remarks made Shoaib Akhtar quit the show which was a live transmission being aired on PTV on Pakistan’s win against New Zealand.

What actually happened?

It all started last night after the nail-biting T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and New Zealand ended making Pakistan the winner of the match. During live transmission of PTV, Shoaib Akhtar was present there as a cricket analyst and Dr. Nauman Niaz was a host.

Things were pretty smooth until Dr. Nauman asked Shoaib a question and the latter decided to reply while mentioning and appraising Lahore Qalandars which the host, however, did not like. “I don’t want to say this but if you’re being over smart, you can go. I am saying this on-air,” this is exactly what the host told Akhtar during the live transmission.

However, after saying this on live transmission, the host while interrupting Shoaib went for a break. After they returned on-air, Shoaib was once again asked a question by Nauman. This was when Shoaib decided to walk out from the show, “The way I was treated on national television, I don’t think I should be sitting here. I am resigning from PTV.”

Shoaib Akhtar’s statement

Shoaib Akhtar, however, after walking out and resigning from his designation decided to clarify what actually happened. According to the former cricketer,  Dr. Nauman Niaz was obnoxious and rude when he asked him to leave the show.

Shoaib described the situation as embarrassing as he was seated among cricket legends like Vivian Richards and David Gower as his contemporaries. “I tried to save everyone from embarrassment by saying I was pulling his leg with this mutual understanding that Nauman will also politely apologise and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then I had no other choice,” said Shoaib. 

Niaz’s stance

Niaz released a statement on Twitter in which he wrote: “I wonder why one has to be reminded Shoaib Akhtar is a star. He has been the best of the best, he shall always be. He has brought laurels to the country is undeniable. One side of the story always attracts nonetheless having been friends for ages I’ll always wish him the best.”