“The fact is that until and unless we have normal and friendly relations at a government to government level, why should we expect the Indian cricket board to be supportive," says Akhtar. PHOTO: AFP
Akhtar said this in the wake of the Faisalabad Wolves being denied visas by the Indian government for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.
“I am not surprised that the Indians have not issued visas to the Faisalabad Wolves team for the Champions League,” said Akhtar. “The fact is that until and unless we have normal and friendly relations at a government to government level, why should we expect the Indian cricket board to be supportive?
“I have always said that we don’t need to run after India all the time and we need to stop begging.”
According to him, the BCCI acted on the policies set by the Indian government in regards to Pakistan, so expecting anything different from them was of no use.
“We should have never expected them to issue visas for the Faisalabad team,” he told a TV channel. “When they first invited us we should have taken a bold stance and said ‘thank you’. When will we as a nation or board show some self-respect and pride in our stance towards India?”
‘We need to start setting our house in order’
Akhtar further stated that it was time for the PCB to work on the country’s domestic cricket and infrastructure.
“We need to concentrate on building up our cricket structure and building up a world class side. When we have a world class side everyone will not only want to play against us but on our terms as well.
“There is no doubt that the standard of cricket has not only gone down in Pakistan but even worldwide. But here we are facing problems because we haven’t had a bold captain like Imran Khan for years now and we don’t have role model players who serve as inspiration to others.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (19)
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BANGGG ON...Shoaib always speaks the heart of people in Pakistan. Why should we go behind indian board every time. Its not the people of Pakistan who let Pakistan down on international forum. Its always Govt. of Pakistan.
I think Shoaib is making a point but not as a member of the Faisalabad team. I am sure the Faisalabad team players would want Pakistan to do everything in their capacity to make the tour happen.
Indo-Pak relations will improve and will do so on what we share the most. So proposing to shun an invitation would be counter productive and might be construed as arrogance...which will further sour the relationship between the two nations.
@Somnath Temple! Faisalabad Wolves are invited to play in Champions League T20 by BCCI. Visas are issued to Pakistani T20 champion side on order of Indian PM. So they will now play in India with dignity, pride and passion.
A lion is the king of jungle just as the BCCI is king of cricket. The rest are the subjects.
@Somnath Temple: ...said the indian on a pakistani website.
@Salman Saleem: So much dignity than why coming to India??????No one comes to pakistan but you still travel everywhere
Shoaib is our Sher(Lion). We need to live with dignity, and I am really proud of Shoaib that has shown courage to speak up. I am really liking Shoaib for his courage after his retirement and he has shown that he is not the one to compromise on his pride and love for this country, We have enough of the oomph, courage, and talent to out do anyone, especially Indians. So no need to look elsewhere. We have it in our ourselves to excel and achieve great things if we show dedication and hardwork.
Best Regards,
Farhan
@IndianIsraeli:
What are you talking about? Try to use reasonably understandable English when making a comment.
Shoaib is right, we shouldn't expect a positive Indian role. Look at how they are dealing with CSA over the appointment of Lorgat, something which is essentially an internal CSA matter. BCCI will always seek to undermine Pakistani cricket and as such we should concentrate on building our own structures and developing ties with other boards.
@Saad! May be the irony displayed in interview by Shoaib Akhtar, ensured the visas for Pakistan domestic T20 champions, Faisalabad Wolves to participate in Champions League Twenty20 to be played in India.
"Here we are facing problems because we haven’t had a bold captain like Imran Khan for years now" That's the point!
Mature comment from flamboyant fast bowler Shoaib. Nice!! Grow up, Pakistan!!
ahh, the irony when the Visa is granted and this news doesnt make sense anymore.
Shoaib Akhtar took right stand about India-Pakistan cricket ties and Champions League T20. PCB should take a solid stance against BCCI. If they don't want to invite Pakistani teams for playing in their country, then we should not go there.
Baby you are the excellent
I think the champions league should be managed by the ICC, the same way the FIFA club world cup is managed by FIFA.
No country should be allowed to monopolize or politicize cricket.
Shahar Pear(Israeli tennis player) was denied a visa to Dubai for a tennis event in 2009, many people criticized Dubai for politicizing sports, and Andy Roddick boycotted the event for Shahar Pear.
Than how will you even be able to walk..............running is all together a different matter here..
Well said Shoaib. I fully agree with him.
S.Akhter should no we are shameless people and are begger by birth so he should not expect any thing from such a moral less and morons nation.