Islamabad: Former Pakistan pacer Shuaib Akhtar said that he did not know much about Sachin Tendulkar when he came to play against India. Akhtar told a sports media that he did not know anything about Sachin’s height or talent. Akhtar also said that Saqlain Mushtaq, who was a teammate of the Pakistan team, gave more information about Sachin Tendulkar.
“It was Saqlain Mushtaq who told me about Sachin Tendulkar. I didn’t know Sachin. I was in my own world. All I knew was what I was doing and what the batter was thinking. The only thought at that time was to bowl fast and win for the country. You cannot become a good player without winning matches. We won the matches for Pakistan” – Akhtar clarified.
The fight between Akhtar and Sachin was once the center of attention in India-Pakistan matches. Sachin and Akhtar played on the field maintaining mutual respect even when Veer and Vashi came together. Akhtar, who debuted in cricket in 1997, played his last international match in 2011. Akhtar completed leg surgery in Australia and is now resting.
English Summary: I Didn’t Know About Sachin Tendulkar, Was Lost In My Own World – Shoaib Akhtar