In an interview to a journalist on YouTube on Thursday, PTV sports show host Dr Nauman Niaz apologized to Shoaib Akhtar for insulting him on a live TV show Game on Hai.

Akhtar responded by saying he had forgiven Niaz on an episode of Jashan-e-Cricket saying he did so for sake of the country and state institutions.

The controversy began on Oct 26 during a live episode of PTV's Game on Hai when after a heated exchange, Niaz asked Akhtar to behave or leave the show. This happened in the presence of cricket legends Viv Richards and David Gower, who were also part of a pannel discussion on a post-match analysis.

Announcing his resignation on air, Akhtar left the show and later issued a video, explaining the incident.

The controversy resulted in many politicians and public figures condemning Niaz's behavior.

In his interview to Rauf Klasra on Thursday Niaz said: “Whatever the reason, I had no right to do all this on-air, it was my fault. Shoaib Akhtar is a star and I love his cricket.”

In the interview, Niaz said that his father said that he did not expect this behaviour from him and that it was a mistake.

Niaz also admitted that he should have handled the situation better as Akhtar was the star on the show and he was only the host.

“It shouldn’t have happened. I’m ready to pay the price and am paying.”

Akhtar's insult sparked outrage on social media with many users asked Niaz to resign from the post for demeaning former fast bowler and national celeberity.

Later Pakistan Televesion administration took notice of the incident and constituted a committee. Niaz and Akhtar were taken off air by the investigation committee till the completion of the inquiry.

In another notice issued by the PTV, it said: "Both Akhtar and Niaz are contracted talent/employees of PTV. None of them can end job contract unilaterally. They need to follow a legal procedure to submit resignation."