‘This is arrogance’ - Imran Khan takes note of spat between Shoaib Akhtar, PTV host

The spat between Shoaib Akhtar and PTV Sports anchor Dr. Nauman Niaz has been the talk of the town since the last couple of days. Following Pakistan’s five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2021, Niaz, a veteran sports anchor, hosted Akhtar and many other prominent cricket stars in a panel. The anchor wasn’t happy when Akhtar changed the lining on a question and started speaking on some order topic.

Subsequently, the pacer was asked to leave the show on live television. While Akhtar tried to make his point clear and demanded an apology, Niaz didn’t do so. This brought an end to the former cricketer’s patience as he decided to walk off. The host didn’t try to stop him either. Following this episode, PTV sports released a statement saying both Akhtar and Niaz have been off-air till the further inquiry is done.

With Shoaib Akhtar being one of the deadliest fast bowlers ever, many fans didn’t like Nauman’s behaviour towards him. Even Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken notice of the episode. As per a report in Geo News, Pakistan Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan revealed that the PM isn’t amused with the saga and has even directed the committee to take immediate action.

You cannot ask anybody to leave the show on the air: Imran Khan

Mohammad Khan also said that Imran Khan was upset that the host of the show insulted the talismanic cricketer. “You cannot ask anybody to leave the show on the air, this is arrogance,” he said, adding that Niaz should have thought about his and Akhtar’s value.

“Dr Niaz should have thought a hundred times before insulting Akhtar,” he maintained, questioning “is this how we treat our National stars in front of international cricket greats.” Imran Khan also lauded Akhtar for trying to solve the issue at that very moment. “I would also appreciate Akhtar because contrary to his nature he acted calmly although he is known for his aggression because he is a fast bowler,” said the premier.

It has to be noted that Nauman Niaz has stated that he won’t allow anybody else to host the show. Reacting to the same, the former Pakistan captain said, “neither the state-owned channel belongs to anybody’s father nor does the show.”