Shoaib Akhtar remains a controversial figure in Pakistan cricket, as recently, he was asked to leave during a live television show. See what exactly happened and transpired.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar continued to be one of the most controversial cricketers from Pakistan. While he had been involved in numerous on and off the field controversies during his playing days, the same continues to happen even after his retirement. This time, it happened as a television expert.
Being a television cricket expert for PTV during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, he was in an analysis show following Pakistan's win over New Zealand in Sharjah on Tuesday. Being hosted by Nauman Niaz, the show also contained other chief guests, like Sir Vivian Richards, David Gower, Rashid Latif, Umar Gul, Rashid Latif, Aaqib Javed and Sana Mir.
FULL SCORECARD: ICC T20 World Cup 2021 - Pakistan vs New Zealand (Super 12)
At a point in the show, Niaz was seemingly unhappy with Akhtar, seemingly ignoring his questions. It all started when Akhtar talked about spinner Haris Sohail and his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalanders. "This is the guy who deserves all the credit. It was Lahore Qalanders who gave us Haris Rauf," while Niaz tried to interrupt him.
At this point, Niaz lost his patience and told Shoaib, "You have misbehaved with me, and I am telling you you can leave the show now." Niaz immediately went ahead with a commercial break. As the show returned on-air, things were not normal between the two, while Akhtar demanded an apology from Niaz for mistreating him on national television.
After the break, they both try to sort out. Please see my earlier tweet when they exchanged harsh words during the live transmission. pic.twitter.com/kXA06Armxn
— Kamran Malik (@Kamran_KIMS)Before the break shoaib Akhtar told we planned this i was just pulling doc leg nothing serious all good then after the break he just said iam resigning! pic.twitter.com/SYoGkDFLgP
— Chaudhary Kashif (@CHKashif06)After he received no apology, Akhar resigned from PTV, stating that he had been mistreated on national television, as he went on to apologise to the other experts on the show. Interestingly, Niaz carried on with the show as if nothing happened while the other experts were still trying to process what happened. Niaz is a renowned cricket historian and the head analyst of PTV Sports.
Later, Akhtar clarified the incident on Twitter by noting, "Multiple clips are circulating on social media, so I thought I shud clarify. Dr Nauman was obnoxious and rude when he asked me to leave the show. It was embarrassing, specially when u have legends like sir Vivian Richards and David Gower sitting on the set with some of my contemporaries."
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)ALSO READ: Waqar Younis apologises for 'Namaz before Hindus' jibe after India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match
"And, seniors and millions watching. I tried to save everyone from embarrassment by saying I was pulling Dr Nauman's leg with this mutual understanding that Dr Nauman will also politely apologise and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then, I had no other choice," he further wrote.
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)He also posted a video on his clarification. Watch it below:
Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I shud clarify. pic.twitter.com/ob8cnbvf90
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph)