NEW DELHI, INDIA — On-field rivalry between Pakistani and Indian cricketers have always infused the game with excitement and enthralled fans on both sides of the border. And it happened once more today.
Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar proved what a devastating fast bowler he was in the opening match of the Legends League Cricket between India Maharajas and Asia Lions. Akhtar was the world’s quickest bowler, and he used to terrorise batsmen with his 150 KMPH bouncers.
On Saturday, former Indian batsman Mohammed Kaif, who was playing for India Maharaj, faced Akhtar once more in a game in which India Maharaja defeated Asia Lions by 6 wickets. The Pathan brothers’ outstanding performance was credited with the victory.
An instance from the game was briefly reviewed, in which Kaif attempted to stroll down the track in pursuit of Akhtar in order to increase the run-rate.
Kaif was jokingly admonished by Akhtar not to walk at him like that. “Mohammad Kaif was approaching me once more.” I just want to strike him in the face. Because I told him many times before, ‘don’t walk at me,’ and he did it again,” Akhtar said following Maharaj’s six-wicket victory over the Lions.
Three weeks after losing his mother, Akhtar returned to the field. He stated that returning to a place that provided him with everything made him happy.
“It was a lot of fun.” I lost my mother three weeks ago, but today, for the first time since her death, I had a grin on my face. But bowling, running in, and bowling fast gives me a lot of pleasure,” Akhtar remarked.
