Shoaib Akhtar, known for his fiery pace and bold attitude, shared his thoughts on his tours to India, highlighting the passion Indian fans have for cricket.
Throughout his career, Akhtar’s tours to India have been marked by intense competition, mutual respect among players, passionate fan interactions, and stringent security measures.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is legendary, characterized by high stakes and fervent competition. Akhtar, known for his blistering pace, often found himself at the heart of these encounters.
Reflecting on the intensity of these matches, Akhtar remarked, “I always loved the Indian passion for cricket, but there was a certain level of intensity that I had to manage.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by the competitive atmosphere but emphasized the respect that Indian players had for his skills.
Despite the fierce competition, Akhtar has maintained cordial relationships with several Indian cricketers.
Notably, his camaraderie with former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been well-documented.
In a recent interaction, Ganguly humorously remarked, “It was a Friendship tour only in name, but when Shoaib Akhtar is going to bowl at 150 kilometers an hour, where is the friendship in that?” Akhtar responded graciously, stating, “Dada, you’re awesome. Indian cricket is incomplete without you.”
Akhtar has often spoken about the passionate support he received during his tours. He noted, “The crowds were often rowdy, but they respected the game.”
Given the historical tensions between the two nations, security during tours has always been a priority. Akhtar observed that while the security arrangements were robust, they never hindered his focus on the game.
He stated, “It’s always a little more intense, given the rivalry. But the way the Indian authorities handled our security made me feel comfortable and focused on cricket.”
