Pulwama Attack: Shoaib Akhtar Criticises Indian Former Cricketers For Antagonising The Situation

Following the terrorist attack in India, a lot of Indian cricketers made their voice on the ghastly act. They called to boycott the game against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2019 in order to break all the relations with Pakistan. Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar raises his voice on the issues and criticises Indian cricketers.

The former fast bowler of Pakistan felt that cricketers should lay a platform for the unity of either side rather than antagonising the situation. Further, he believes that Individuals should talk about cricket but not regarding the political scene.

“Our forte is to talk about cricket and not about the political scene. When such things happen, try to create bridges as a cricketer. It is very important as players to talk about things that bring about unity rather than antagonising the situation,” Shoaib Akhtar quoted to a Pakistan news channel.

India has a right to pull out – Shoaib Akhtar

Further, the right-handed fast bowler quoted that the Indian board have the right to pull out from the game, as they lost their people lives. He went on to add saying that no one can argue regarding that and also condemned the attack on the Indian soldiers.

Besides quoting that, Akhtar said that every individual will stand on the word of their Prime Minister Imran Khan, who recently released his statement on the terror attack.

“Should sports stay political? Not at all. So these differences set in matters of circumstances. We strongly condemn the loss of lives. But when it comes to our country, we are one nation, united and we will stand by our Prime Minister’s statement without having a second thought,” Akhtar added. “They have a right to pull out. Their country was attacked and hence the decision. You cannot argue on that?”

Indian Government doesn’t want BCCI to play Pakistan:

Further, getting into details, Shoaib Akhtar feels that both the boards have been correct in their own ways. Pakistan expressed their liking to play India at least in the neutral venues. Akhtar believes that it was their right. On the other hand, Shoaib quoted that Indian government denying BCCI, which is logically right.

“Honest reply, BCCI wants to play with Pakistan, the government says no. Had they played with Pakistan, Star Sports and BCCI would have earned the maximum revenue. The series would have a monetary value of 600 million dollars,” he quoted.

”Do you think they don’t? Of course, they want that. Now speaking on part of their argument, they want to play with Pakistan. Our Pakistan board had mentioned that they want to play a bilateral series and you cannot deny it although the series can be held at a different venue altogether. But they have said that they have a board to run which falls under Supreme Court. That is their argument and that is logical,” opined Akhtar. 

Well, it would be interesting to see how things would pan. The decision on India boycotting Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2019 is yet to be decided. The respective BCCI has left the decision to Government.