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Tag: Shoaib Akhtar

  • When Shoaib Akhtar gave Sachin Tendulkar a broken rib

    When Shoaib Akhtar gave Sachin Tendulkar a broken rib

    Record-breaking Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has opened up about the time when a delivery by Shoaib Akhtar gave him a broken rib.

    Speaking during a session on Unacademy, Tendulkar recalled that the injury happened during Pakistan’s India tour of 2007.

    “I got hit in my rib cage in 2007,” shared Tendulkar. “We were playing Pakistan in India and in the first over itself I got hit in the rib cage off a Shoaib Akhtar ball. It was quite painful. For a month and a half or two months, I was not able to cough or sleep on my tummy.”

    Interestingly, the cricketer continued to play despite considerable pain as he had no idea that he had fractured his rib.

    “I continued playing like that and had designed my own chest guard. I played the remaining four ODIs and the Test series. Before going to Australia as well, I played whatever cricket there was,” said Sachin.

    After hosting Pakistan for three Tests and a five-match ODI series in 2007, India then toured Australia for four Tests and VB tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka. Tendulkar was part of both the tours.

    In Australia, he suffered a groin injury following which he underwent a full-body scan after returning home. It was then the doctor told Tendulkar he may also have a broken rib.

    “When I went to Australia, I played the whole series – we played the VB series and towards the end of it, I had a groin injury. I came back to India and we did a full body scan. At that time, it was the doctor who told me about it,” Tendulkar recalled.

    “I did not ask him about my rib, I was worried about my groin injury because the Indian Premier League (IPL) was going to start. But I couldn’t get fit in time and missed the first seven matches. But the doctor told me that there was a hotspot. You must have broken your rib at some stage. It troubled me for two months,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the former captain of the Indian cricket team also revealed that he struggled with anxiety for much of his career, often suffering sleepless nights before a game.

    The ‘Little Master,’ who accumulated more Test and one-day runs than any other player, said he would shadow bat, watch TV and play video games in the small hours when he was unable to sleep.

    “In my mind the match started long before I entered the ground. The anxiety levels were very high,” said Tendulkar.

    “I felt anxiety for 10 to 12 years, and had many sleepless nights before a game. Later on I started accepting that it was part of my preparation.

    “Then I made peace with the times I was not able to sleep at night. I would start doing something to keep my mind comfortable.” Mental health has become a key consideration among athletes, including cricketers and especially during the pandemic when many are spending long periods in bio-secure “bubbles”.

    Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests and 463 ODIs during a 24-year international career, said it was vital to accept first that there is a problem.

    “When there is an injury, physios and doctors examine you and diagnose what is wrong with you. Same is the case with mental health,” he said.

    “It is normal for anyone to go through ups and downs and when you hit those lows you need people around.

    “Acceptability is the key here. Not just for the player, for people around him also. Once you have accepted you start looking for solutions. “

  • Shoaib Akhtar says ‘Rizwan has proven to be an asset for Pakistan’

    Shoaib Akhtar says ‘Rizwan has proven to be an asset for Pakistan’

    Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has heaped praise on Mohammad Rizwan, saying the wicket-keeper batsman has proved that he is “an asset for Pakistan”.

    Pakistan were under the pump after being on the receiving end of a shocking 19-run loss in the second T20I, which was also Zimbabwe’s first-ever win over Pakistan in T20Is. Pakistan were given a paltry total of 119, but they collapsed to 99 all out to put series on the line.

    But on Sunday, the visiting side approached their batting with better intent and paced it better. Pakistan had added Sharjeel Khan in the side, which meant that Babar Azam was pushed to third spot while Rizwan and Sharjeel opened the batting.

    Sharjeel didn’t impress in his appearance but Rizwan stuck right till the end, notching up an extremely impressive 91 off 60 balls to get his side to 165.

    “Rizwan’s intent towards Pakistan is amazing. The way he is serving Pakistan, it’s fabulous to see that someone is playing for his side with this good intent,” said Akhtar on his YouTube Channel. “All of them play like this. 91 off 60, he’s proven that he is an asset for Pakistan.”

    Akhtar added that Pakistan needed to sort out its middle order, which has been under the radar for a while now. He said that Rizwan should contribute to Pakistan if the management requires him to bat in the middle order to sort out this crisis.

    “Rizwan should contribute for his side in the middle order if they require him in that role,” he continued. “Pakistan should improve their selection, they should sort out their middle order and the X-factor in the bowling should be brought back. Many congratulations to this side for winning.”

    Read more – Afridi wants PCB to review middle-order performances, suggests Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in T20Is

    There was a slight scare for Pakistan after Madhevere (59 off 47) and Marumani (35 off 26) were starting to find momentum in the run-chase. The 20-year-old Madhevere was impressive in his stroke-play but Pakistan bowlers, in particular Hasan Ali, did a good job to pull things back.

    For his career best four-wicket haul, Hassan received Player of the Match award.

    Shoaib said there was a slight doubt in his mind that Zimbabwe might win this and if that happened, the defeat would’ve been a hard pill to swallow. “There was a slight doubt in my mind that Zimbabwe might get away by chasing this total down, it would have been embarrassing. It wouldn’t have been easy to bear that.”

    Rizwan now holds the record for the most runs in 11 consecutive innings across T20Is. He has scored seven fifty plus scores in this period.

    The opener has also bagged his second consecutive Player of the Series award.

    Meanwhile, Azam has become the fastest batsman to reach 2000 T20I runs. He has taken only 52 innings to achieve the feat, beating Indian Cricket Team captain Virat Kohli. Babar reached to 2000 T20I runs four innings quicker than him.

    Pakistan and Zimbabwe will now go head-to-head in two-match Test series, which starts April 29.

  • Wasim Akram sends best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar

    Wasim Akram sends best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar

    Former Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team Wasim Akram has extended his best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar after he was hospitalised for COVID-19.

    “Even when you were 16, you battled [the] world’s best bowlers with guts and aplomb,” said Akram wishing his former rival well. “So I am sure you will hit Covid-19 for a SIX!”

    “Recover soon master! Would be great if you celebrate India’s World Cup 2011 anniversary with doctors and hospital staff…do send me a pic,” he added.

    Sachin shared that he was hospitalised on Friday, April 2 as a precautionary measure after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He had previously been isolating at home, but medical professionals advised him to get admitted into a hospital.

    Shahid Afrdi also wished Tendulkar a swift recovery, saying: “Wishing you a speedy recovery Legend . No doubt that you will make a strong recovery.May your hospital stay be short and your recovery even shorter!“

    Earlier, Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar also posted a picture with Tendulkar and wished for his speedy recovery.

  • Afridi believes cricket can improve relations between Pakistan and India

    Shahid Afridi believes that cricket can play an important role in normalising the relationship between Pakistan and India.

    According to a report in Cricket Pakistan, the former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team, while speaking to media said: “Cricket between Pakistan and India is very important. Sports should be kept away from politics. Relations between the two countries can improve because of cricket.”

    Afridi further said: “I have said this before as well, Indian cricketers enjoy coming to Pakistan. You can improve relationships through sports but if you don’t want to improve them then they will remain the same.”

    Afridi enjoys good relations with Indian cricketers and even hosted them at his home when they visited Karachi.

    Read more – Afridi says he has ‘old and strong relations’ with Yuvraj, Harbhajan

    Last year in February, Shoaib Akhtar had also highlighted the importance of bilateral series between India and Pakistan saying: “It is very important for India and Pakistan to play a bilateral series because it generates money, revenue, fan following and inspiration.”

    Meanwhile, it is being reported that two neighbouring countries might soon be engaged in a bilateral series.

    According to a report published in Jang, “India and Pakistan might soon get involved in bilateral cricket series again with a possibility of the six-day window for a three-match T20I series later in the year.”

    The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2012-13.

  • KRL Stadium renamed to Shoaib Akhtar Cricket stadium

    The Khan Research Laboratory (KRL) cricket stadium has been renamed and will now be known as Shoaib Akhtar cricket stadium. The initiative was taken to honour the world’s fastest bowler that Pakistan has produced.

    Rashid Latif, who is a former Pakistan Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman, and now a cricket analyst announced the news on Twitter and shared pictures of the ceremony, which had Akhtar and other former cricketers in attendance.

    https://twitter.com/iRashidLatif68/status/1370334687521034240?s=20

    Congratulatory messages flooded in soon after the news was announced. Famous cricket commentator and TV presenter, Dr Nauman Niaz, congratulated Akhtar and termed it a well-deserved honour.

    https://twitter.com/iRashidLatif68/status/1370334687521034240?s=20

    Akhtar was the fastest and bowler and had a notorious reputation. Many have labelled his bowling ‘scary’ due to his fearless, aggressive, and unparalleled performance on the field.

  • ‘You played with the reputation of the country’: Shoaib Akhtar slams PCB after PSL 6 postponement

    Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for indefinitely postponing the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after an outbreak of COVID-19 was reported in the bio-secure bubble.

    “It is time for blame-game,” said Akhtar is a video posted to his YouTube channel. “You have to admit that this is the responsibility of the medical panel. The bio-secure bubble should have been properly maintained. There should be strict inquiry against the medical panel…it should not be spared.”

    Speaking further, the former bowler said: “The medical panel should be punished and I request the higher authorities [for this] because they played with the lives of the people. All the blame has been put on Wasim Khan and he has been asked to face everything. But who brought Wasim Khan? Ehsan Mani.”

    “Where is Mani Sahab?,” questioned Akhtar. “Is it the responsibility of Wasim Khan to answer here? Ehsan Mani should give an answer.”

    Read more – Shoaib Akhtar receives flak from celebrities for his comments on ‘Groove Mera’

    Akhtar also asked Prime Minister and former captain of the national team Imran Khan to look into the matter and punish those responsible for the mess.

    “Aren’t you [PCB] that smart to book an entire hotel. People are getting married there, getting haircuts. Daren Sammy getting out. I fail to understand, why would you [Javed Afridi] breach the bio-secure bubble. I am asking the same question from Wahab Riaz,” said the speedster.

    “You [PCB] played with the lives of the people and at the same time, you played with the reputation of the country… Where is the Chairman of PCB, he has to be answerable. I request the higher authorities and the honourable courts to take a very good look into this matter… Where is Mani? Come to the front and answer.

    “This is an insult to Pakistan and Pakistan cricket,” concluded Akhtar.

    PCB on Thursday postponed PSL6, which started last month after seven people tested positive. Later, in a press conference, PCB chief executive Wasim Khan admitted to breaches of COVID-19 protocols in the bio-secure bubble.

    Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi extended his support towards the PSL management, saying “I fully back the PSL and IA it will come back stronger than ever.”

  • Does this TikToker girl really look like Shoaib Akhtar?

    Social media users have found the former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s lookalike in an Indian content creator Vinita Khilnani. The collage comparing the two celebrities is going viral and people are convinced that the two are each other’s doppelganger.

    Vinita Khilnani is a content creator and TikToker. Her recent video, ‘How our parents used to take pictures’ went viral on social media that resulted in people comparing her with Akhtar.

    Indian-American comedian is aware of the situation herself. She pasted her face in the cricketer’s photos and asked her fans about her resemblance with Akhtar on Instagram.

    “So everyone is saying I look like this man? @imshoaibakhtar – what do you think?” the Tiktoker wrote in the caption.

  • PCB defends Naseebo Lal, ‘Groove Mera’

    PCB defends Naseebo Lal, ‘Groove Mera’

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday defended its decision to hire Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig and Young Stunners to perform the anthem of the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    According to a report, a PCB spokesperson said that the three artists were chosen to do the song as the board wanted to feature voices that were new and had not sung any PSL anthem before.

    “Naseebo Lal is an extremely talented, underutilised vocalist whose voice has the strength to carry this cricket anthem,” the official is reported to have said. He further added that Aima gave young energy to the anthem. 

    The spokesperson said that Young Stunners were a “natural choice” to be a part of the anthem as they are leaders in the country’s hip-hop scene.

    “Cricket and music have always formed a natural union in Pakistan. The thought process was to pave the way for a new sound of cricket in Pakistan that appeals to the multi-dimensional audience that comes with Pakistan’s biggest cricketing event,” added the spokesperson.

    Meanwhile, PSL also shared a behind the scenes (BTS) video of the song’s shoot in which the singers spoke about the song and their role in it.

    “It feels so good because this is the first time I’ve done a project which is making me happy,” said Naseebo in the video.

    “My groove is my beloved Pakistan and the camera is also my groove,” added the singer.

    On the other hand, the song’s producer Zulfiqar Jabbar (Xulfi) while talking about cricket and music, said: “There is one thing common in cricket and music, which is rhythm. You might have heard commentators talking about a bowler’s rhythm and rhythm is excitingly called as ‘groove’.”

    Elaborating further, Xulfi said: “We usually say that if Shaheen Afridi has taken 4 wickets in a match, then on that day, he’s in groove.”

    “Groove Mera is everyone’s groove in PSL. This can be anyone’s groove – a commentator’s groove or a cricketer, batsman, baller or we all musicians and artists’ groove, who are singing or it may be yours [public] as well,” he continued.

    Xulfi further said that he “could feel Naseebo’s voice echoing in the stadium.”

    “We knew how to get the balance among Naseebo, Aima and the Young Stunners. We exactly knew what their vibe is separately and we then made a connecting melody, which is basically the hook of the song,” he added.

    “It is the hybrid of all the personalities of the singers, who are in this song,” he concluded.

    Meanwhile, Aima speaking about the song said: “The anthem’s vibe is pretty street and I really like it because our public really like street songs and music and it is very festive EDM. Overall I love the vibe.”

    Groove Mera has created a stir with social media divided on the song. While many including Shoaib Akhtar slammed the song, other celebrities including Mehwish Hayat, Adnan Siddiqui, Faysal Quraishi, Haroon Shahid and Farhan Saeed praised the anthem and its composition.

    Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan also criticised the song. Talking to media, Dr Awan said that she did not like it at all, adding that it “could have been improved further”.

    Referring to Naseebo as Pakistan’s ‘laal,’ or beloved, Dr Awan said: “Here we were representing the league in front of international players. This is not district-level league. The Lal should have been presented as a jewel and voice of the nation.”

    “If there is any chance of improvement, then we should go for it,” she concluded.

  • Shoaib Akhtar receives flak from celebrities for his comments on ‘Groove Mera’

    Shoaib Akhtar receives flak from celebrities for his comments on ‘Groove Mera’

    Shoaib Akhtar has come under fire for mocking and ridiculing the anthem of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The former cricketer had trashed Groove Mera, calling it the worst anthem ever. He also said that he uses the song to put his children to sleep as they are scared of it.

    Following Akhtar’s comments, several celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Hira Mani, Ahmed Ali Butt and Wasim Akram stepped forward to defend the song. Though they did not name Akhtar directly, they subtly shaded him for his comments.

    “Least we can do for our artists is respect them,” said Adnan. “It’s very easy to be keyboard warriors and shred someone’s hard work to pieces.”

    “Naseebo Lal doesn’t deserve to be trolled like this,” added the actor.

    Sharing his thoughts on the brouhaha, Wasim Akram said: “Hope all this well. Aap log theek hain, exercise kar rahay hain or mou chukk kay criticise kar rahy ho har cheez nu. That’s you guys.”

    “Abhi mene PSL anthem pay bohat saray views sunay or theek hai, har aik ki marzi hoti hai magar ennay Tan Sen therday ni tussi, har gal tey bolna hai. Tareef na karna tussi,” he added in Punjabi.

    Sharing Wasim’s video on Twitter, Omair Rana said: “I love this man! Wasim Akram. Jewndy raho!”

    HSY also praised Groove Mera, saying that he is listening to it on repeat.

    “When will we learn to take things in perspective and react accordingly,” questioned Faysal Quraishi.

    “Let’s go with the spirit of sports and celebrate little things. I personally think Naseebo Lal who is very popular with masses will rock the stadium with her ‘groove’ and high notes,” remarked the actor.

    Similarly, in a detailed note posted on Instagram, Ahmed Ali Butt said: “For people who don’t know… Naseebo Lal is a Pakistani folk singer with over 30 years of singing experience. She never got the limelight that she deserved because most of her songs were during the “raunchy” Punjabi film era. But that does not change the fact that she is a Pakistani folk legend with hundreds of songs to her credit.”

    “Groove Mera is a great song and a bold step by PCB. For all the people making fun of her pronunciation are the same people who love UK or Canadian Punjabi singers,” he said further. “So shut up and be proud of your nation’s talent. God knows you didn’t contribute to their success or hard work, so the least you can do is be respectful towards them.”

    “Ab volume kholo or bolo…aaj vaykhay ga crowd mera groove TV tay,” he concluded.

    Hira Mani, in a lengthy note posted to social media said: “We respect you madam. Bas yeh so-called elite burgers music critics internet kay dour kay hum jese chunnay munnay followers walay. Inko kia pata kay asal fan following houti kiya hai.”

    Meanwhile, other celebrities, including Farhan Saeed, Anoushey Ashraf and Haroon Shahid directly responded to Akhtar for his comments.

    “It’s his opinion, that’s ok! He has the right, but that’s a stupid opinion is what is my opinion,” stated Farhan Saeed.

    “This song will be a winner in the stadiums, mark it,” he added.

    Haroon Shahid also directly responded to Akhtar saying: “So when Shoaib Akhtar was being paid millions by Kolkata Knight Riders and this song came up I bet he would have danced on this track at the Eden Gardens just to impress Shahrukh jee.”

    In a later tweet, the singer-turned-actor said: “This guy talks about aesthetics! Here’s a guy who commentates in English defining ‘Groove’ for us in musical terms.”

    Sharing her thoughts on the controversy, Anoushey Ashraf said: “Oh dear, this is in bad taste. One thing to not like a song, another thing to run down artists, musicians this way. Big fan of Shoaib Akhtar but not the way he’s bashing the anthem.”

    Television actor, Naveed Raza also participated in the debate, commenting: “Learn to appreciate Shoaib Akhtar bhai. The worst virus is a human, dehumanising another human. Groove Mera is a solid stadium-feel song.”

    Groove Mera is currently trending at number one on YouTube Pakistan with more than five million views till the filing of this report.

    What did you think of Groove Mera? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Shoaib Akhtar slams PSL6 anthem, claims he could have sung it better

    Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 anthem Groove Mera, claiming that he could have sung it better.

    The Rawalpindi Express has said that Groove Mera is the “worst anthem” ever.

    “If the 10 worst songs of the PSL are compiled, this song will be number one. Do you have any shame?” questioned the former cricketer.

    In a video posted to his YouTube Channel, Akhtar said that his children are also scared of the song so he uses it to make them sleep.

    “My kids are scared of this song. When they don’t sleep, I tell them I’ll play it for them. That immediately scares them,” he said.

    Akhtar continued: “I failed to understand the lyrics of the song or the song itself. What does groove mean? What is a groove? I am sure even the singers did not know the meaning of the word groove.”

    However, the former bowler said that the singers have nothing to do with the song as they were just doing their job.

    Shoaib also mocked the costumes of the Young Stunners in the song, saying: “What have you done? You hid the clothes of our Chief Selector Mohammad Waseem and dressed the rappers in them.”

    The right-arm bowler said that PCB should make a good song next time instead of taking the criticism to heart.

    “Make a better song next time and if you can’t, let me know I will sing it for you,” he concluded.

    Groove Mera features Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners (Talha Yunus & Talha Anjum).

    Earlier in the day, when asked about the people’s response to the song, Lal sang a few lines from the anthem with enthusiasm.

    Naseebo also thanked the producer of the song, Zulfiqar Khan, better known as Xulfi, for bringing something “different and unique to the table.” She also expressed her gratitude to all those who have appreciated her performance, saying that she feels “truly honoured” to be able to sing for the PSL.

    “This was a unique opportunity for my singing career and I thank God for it. When I was first approached, I had no idea about it and thought it would be just another song. However, when it turned out that it was an ‘item’ song for the PSL, I was surprised.” she remarked, adding: “Even though it was catchy and a different genre Xulfi composed the song according to my [singing] style.”

    Meanwhile, in another interview, Lal said: “I never thought it would become so popular and all this success is because of Allah. When the PCB called me, I couldn’t believe it. Because I have never been offered an anthem before.”

    Lal also expressed how she was afraid the song would fail.

    “I was so afraid people wouldn’t like it but they loved it and I am so grateful,” said the singer.

    While Akhtar trashed the song, several celebrities and media personalities including Mehwish Hayat, Meesha Shafi and Fatima Bhutto have praised Groove Mera and supported Lal for her power packed performance.