He Keeps Giving Such Suggestions, Says Rajeev Shukla As He Laughs Off Shoaib Akhtar's Proposal For Indo-Pak Series

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla has mocked Shoaib Akhtar after the latter proposed a series between India and Pakistan to raise funds for the fight against coronavirus pandemic. Rajeev Shukla termed the former Pakistan pacer’s statement as ‘comic’.

In the wake of the pandemic, cricket action all around the world is currently suspended due to the pandemic. The cricket boards have prioritised the security of the people and called off almost all the fixtures. Last month, the BCCi called off the ODI series against South Africa and also suspended the league at least till April 15.

The way things are at the moment, cricket has undoubtedly taken the back seat. But to everyone’s surprise, Shoaib Akhtar, who is known for his bold statements, proposed a closed-door series between India and Pakistan to jointly raise funds to fight the deadly virus in both the countries.

On Wednesday, Akhtar proposed a three-match series between India and Pakistan to raise funds for the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

“I want India and Pakistan to play a series. I want it to happen without crowds, just broadcasting unit should be there and the matches should be televised, three ODIs or T20Is should be played. I cannot understand why this is a bad idea,” Shoaib Akhtar said in a video posted on his Youtube channel.

The former fast-bowler has been facing criticism for his statement and Rajeev Shukla also criticised the Pakistan great. Rajeev Shukla laughed off Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal and said that the proposed series ‘is a matter of fun’.

“Shoaib Akhtar is a jolly and moody man everyone knows it. Time by time he keeps giving such suggestions and ideas. At this stage, if he is talking about a cricket match between India and Pakistan to raise funds to help both the countries. So, I feel it is a matter of fun. We are not even able to organise IPL, who will come to watch that match who will allow players to come and play,” Rajeev Shukla told ANI.

“India-Pakistan don’t play in bilateral series, who will organise this match at this current situation of the country is not good and in his country situation is even worst so how can match happen so I feel this statement is comic,” he added.

Meanwhile, the India-Pakistan bilateral relation is also at an all-time low.  The arch-rivals have not played a full bilateral Test series since 2007 when Pakistan visited India for three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. They played a short series of three ODIs and two T20s in India in December 2012, but otherwise, both have faced each other only in the ICC organised events or the Asia Cup.

Also Read: “Strictly No”: Joginder Sharma Wants Halt On IPL Till Coronavirus Clears