We have enjoyed much when arch-rivals India and Pakistan faced off at the mega events followed by bilateral series which seems a distant dream now owing to the escalating political tensions between both the neighbouring countries, which share the rich layer of cricketing history respectively – to entertain the followers of gentleman’s game in nutshell.
Coming to the centre of the 22-yard pitch, the die-hard fans had witnessed the speed-gun Shoaib Akhtar giving his best, whereas, the Little Master Sachin Tendulkar has taken a game to a new high while producing remarkable innings with the bat.
While talking to Geo News, the Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar recollected his best memories of his cricketing career while stating to get batting legend Sachin Tendulkar for a duck in front of the Eden Gardens packed crowd was one of the best on-field memories which he would like to cherish forever.
“Getting [Sachin] Tendulkar out for duck in India, that feeling is just unmatched, especially in front of their crowd,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by Geo Tv.
Making an impressive comment, Akhtar revealed only sheer pace bowling won’t bring that much of an effect in the line-up until and unless a bowler won’t be able to manage his bowling at the right length before instilling confidence within him to add fear with dreaded pace among batsmen.
Akhtar is also known for his direct comments in regards to the betterment of Pakistan Cricket while criticising the players, who would not perform well while being on the national fixtures. He has also lambasted the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Akhtar further revealed he loved to play under the tutelage of former left-arm Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram while calling him ‘favourite and Swing ka Sultan’.
“It would also have been great if I could have played during Imran Khan’s era,” Shoaib remarked.
Akhtar further revealed he has no intention to join PCB as a coach or any political institution before stating he is ready to help the board as a volunteer.
“I have no intentions to join the board or politics,” Shoaib asserted.
Akhtar further wished to see another fast bowler, who could click above 90KPH in the form his son Muhammad Mikaeel Ali before stating he wants to see him become courageous and honest in life.
The 41-year-old fast bowler Akhtar also revealed when he told West Indies great Vivian Richards what he would have felt had he bowled the veteran in his era.
“Would you [Sir Viv Richards] be scared if I bowled to you’? He said, ‘of course I’d be scared, I’d be dead scared,’” Akhtar recounted while talking in a Geo Tv programme.
Akhtar, who made his International debut against the West Indies at his home ground Rawalpindi, played 163 One-day Internationals, 46 Tests and 15 Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan.
The fiery fast bowler Akhtar, whose career was marred by injuries, bagged 247 wickets in ODIs, 178 in Tests and 19 wickets in the T20Is.