Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been in the news for his controversial comments. He recently invited more trouble by revealing that he wanted Sachin Tendulkar to score a hundred against Pakistan at the 2003 World Cup.
Tendulkar played a match-winning inning of 98, guiding India to a famous win against the arch-rivals at the marquee event. Interestingly, it was Akhtar who claimed Tendulkar’s wicket with a short delivery. During a live session on Helo Live, Akhtar said he was very sad as the Indian maestro missed out on a well-deserved hundred.
Shoaib Akhtar on dismissing Tendulkar for 98:
“I was very sad because Sachin got out for 98. It was special innings, he should have touched the century mark. I wanted him to hit the century. For that bouncer, I would have loved to see a sixer, as earlier he hit.” Akhtar said.
Shoaib Akhtar lauds Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliance:
India chased down a tricky target of 274 in a comprehensive manner. For Akhtar, it turned out to be an expensive affair. He was sent for a leather hunt as he conceded 72 runs in his allotted quota of overs. Akhtar heaped praises on Tendulkar.
“Tendulkar batted in the toughest era of cricket. If he had to get the chance now, he may hit more than 1.30 lakh runs. So it’s not good to make a comparison between Sachin and Kohli.” he added.
Shoaib Akhtar doesn’t encourage cricket in front of empty stands:
Competitive cricketing action is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, there have been talks of conducting games in empty stadiums. Sri Lanka is eager to host India and Bangladesh in July as they plan to resume play. Akhtar is reluctant to support the revised playing proposal. According to the 44-year-old, it would look like a marriage without the bride.
