Afridi takes a U-turn, says didn’t question Sachin’s greatness

New Delhi: Just a day after claiming that he saw Sachin Tendulkar's legs trembling while facing Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan's former captain Shahid Afridi has now stated that he did not intend to question the Indian batting icon's greatness and was only talking about one incident.

"I am not denying what I have said. I have seen that Tendulkar was not at all comfortable against Shoaib in Kolkata Test in 1999. It was Shoaib's first tour of India and he bowled out Sachin without giving him a chance to open his account. He also claimed (Rahul) Dravid's wicket in both the innings," Afridi said from Karachi.

"Shoaib was in full form on that tour and had tremendous speed. He terrorised almost all the batsmen in the world at that time. I have seen Sachin trembling as I was fielding at square leg. I am still saying that.

"But this was only one incident. He never spared Shoaib after that. We all have seen what happened in 2003 World Cup," he added.

Afridi went on to state that the Indian batsman does not need his certificate.

"Sachin is one of the best batsmen and the whole world knows this. He does not need mine or anybody else's certificate. His records speak for him," Afridi said.

The controversy-prone former captain on Saturday backed his Akhtar's claim that Tendulkar was uncomfortable against his pace, saying that he had once witnessed the Indian batsman "trembling" while facing the pacer.

Afridi, who retired after revolting against his own board and has a history of making controversial remarks, said Tendulkar was uneasy against Akhtar, a claim which the pacer made in his recently-launched autobiography 'Controversially Yours'.

Afridi said his remarks should not be construed as demeaning to Tendulkar.

"I am not raising any question on Sachin's greatness. Everyone knows that how many sixes Sachin has smashed on Shoaib's bowling after that. But sometimes it happens. I got out on a duck against a weak opponent like Zimbabwe in Peshawar when I was at the peak of my career," he said.

"Any batsman can go through this on a good wicket and opposite a good bowler. That was Shoaib's day and Sachin was nervous that day. Media should not read much into it as it can happen to Don Bradman as well," added the all-rounder.

Afridi huge fan of Sachin 

Afridi said he is a huge fan of Tendulkar both on and off the field.

"I am a huge fan of Sachin. He is not only a great cricketer but a humble human being as well. I have only one photograph on the wall of my drawing room and that is of Sachin. It has Sachin's autograph on it, do I need to say more," said Afridi.

When asked if he will talk to Tendulkar to clarify his position on this issue, he said that there is no need for it.

"The whole matter is blown out of proportion by Indian media. Sachin is a great cricketer and he will understand what I am saying. I have not said anything wrong," he said.

"Media should play a positive role to reduce tension between the two neighbours. When we went to play the World Cup in India earlier this year, we saw all the negative reporting against Pakistani team. Indians love and respect us but not their media," he said.

On the possibility of his comeback to international cricket, he said that he wants to play for another two-three years.

"Inshah Allah, I will be back in national team. I think I can play for 2-3 years. I am not going to beg for it but I know that I will represent Pakistan again," said Afridi.

Sachin may be your God, not mine, says an unapologetic Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, refusing to apologize for his controversial remarks on Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, said on Wednesday, "Why should I apologize for speaking the truth?" 

Akhtar seemed to be unashamed of the controversial remark in his book --"Controversially Yours” released in New Delhi on Saturday— on cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Despite a mass disapproval of people, in his book, Akhtar claimed that they do not have the ability to finish matches and to be match winners.

A defiant Akhtar said, "He may be your God but he’s not mine,” Akhtar said of Sachin Tendulkar.”

He also added saying, "If your God gets hit on the head there’s nothing to feel bad about. It’s a game of cricket and things happen,”.

"Every player has a bad day and bad times. If he was scared or didn’t perform in one series and I said it — why do you have such a fragile ego?"

Shah Rukh Khan and Lalit Modi 'a cheater'?

Akhtar is also said to have called Shah Rukh Khan and Lalit Modi “a cheater”. King Khan termed Akhtar’s comment as a publicity stunt. “I have heard that he has said something about me. I think whatever he has said is a ploy to sell his book. We should not be falling into the trap,” said Shah Rukh during a recent media interaction.

Akhtar, who has admitted to the charges of ball tampering previously, is controversy’s favourite child. In 2003 he and then captain Waqar Younis were involved in a verbal spat for which both were suspended. In the same year, during a series against Sri Lanka, Akhtar was banned for tampering with the ball — only the second player in the history of cricket. In 2006, Akhtar and teammate Mohammed Asif tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance called nandrolone.

Cricket fraternity pays rich tribute to Pataudi: It's terrible loss, says Sachin

New Delhi: Indian cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar have described the demise of former captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi as a "terrible loss to cricketing world" which would be hard to fill.

Sachin Tendulkar: The master blaster paid tribute to Pataudi, saying that world cricket will badly miss a hero like him.

"It's a terrible loss to the cricketing world. I had the privilege of meeting him on a few occasions. World cricket will miss a hero like him. I really respected him," Tendulkar said in his condolence message.

Sunil Gavaskar: The little master expressed shock at the demise of Pataudi, whom he called the most charismatic cricketer of his generation.

"This is very sad news indeed. Only a few weeks ago we saw him in England at the presentation of the Pataudi Trophy and he looked his usual self. Therefore to get this news is a shock," Gavaskar said in a statement.

Read: Pataudi's funeral at family burial ground near Gurgaon

"Tiger Pataudi was the most charismatic cricketer of his generation. To bat with almost zero vision in one eye and still to score nearly 3000 runs and half a dozen centuries in Test cricket tells you what a genius he was. He will be terribly missed and it's a huge loss to the game of cricket," he said.

Sourav Ganguly: Former Indian captain remembered Pataudi for his class and dignity.

"I am extremely saddened hearing the news about Pataudi passing away. My heartfelt condolence to his family and may his soul rest in peace," he said.

Read: Twitter flooded with condolence messages for Tiger Pataudi minutes after his death

Other present and former cricketers have also paid rich tributes to Pataudi, who passed away in New Delhi on Thursday after battling a lung infection.

Abbas Ali Baig: It is a terrible moment indeed. His health was deteriorating and eventually he had to give away. He was suffering but he wasn't really sure about the extent of his suffering. He had the talent not only to play for the country but also to lead it to perfection.

Erapalli Prasanna: What we are today in the spin department is because of Pataudi. He had the vision what we could do really on spin bowling to win matches. It is the greatest loss for Indian cricket.

Mohinder Amarnath: I played my first Test under him. He was a great cricketer and a real person to look up to. He used to show a lot of aggression on the field. He showed great fielding skills at a time when we did not have good fielders. He was man of a few word but whatever he said was encouraging.

Anil Kumble: When we got together for the formation of the Players Association, he readily agreed to become the president. He was the most gentle person I met. He made us feel as Indian cricketers were held in high esteem. Gundappa Vishwanath had great stories to tell about Pataudi. It is a sad moment not only for Indian cricket but also for the entire country.

Rahul Dravid: He is an absolute legend of the game. We never saw him playing but heard so many stories about him from the likes of Prasanna, (Gundappa) Vishwanath and (Bhagwath) Chandrashekhar. He was an inspirational cricketer and that is a fantastic legacy to leave behind. He made the game popular with his personality and leadership skills. He gave a pan-Indian flavour to the game. During 2002, he helped us a lot during the sponsorship issue with the ICC. It was really encouraging to listen to him.

Imran Khan (former Pakistan captain): He was the contemporary of my elder cousin (Javed Burki) and a very popular cricketer in Pakistan. He was a crowd puller. The way he played with one eye was amazing. Imagine, what he could have done with proper vision.

Read: Bhopal loses Nawab and cricket its Tiger

Sanjay Manjrekar: As long as the game is alive he will be remembered. His personality was like Imran Khan. He could mingle with anyone.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth: It is quite shocking. He was one of the most determined and a stylish cricketers. He was one guy who hit the ball really hard. During the 2003 World Cup, I had lots of opportunities to spend time with him in the commentary box. During review meetings in the BCCI, he never imposed anything on anyone. He was a symbol of aggression and style. His fielding was amazing.

Read: PM Manmohan Singh condoles Pataudi's death

Nari Contractor: Nari had captained Tiger Pataudi in his debut Test and whose head injury propelled Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi to the hot seat of Indian cricket skipper, described him as a "true leader" and a "great batsman".

The 77-year-old felt Pataudi's outstanding fielding ability has seldom been matched in Indian cricket.

It was under Contractor that Pataudi made his Test debut in Delhi in December 1961 against England. He scored 13 in his maiden knock.

"He was the youngest member of the side, elegant, fun loving," Contractor recalled.

"He was a talented batsmen, capable of making swashbuckling strokes. And as a fielder, I think if you had pitted him against any member of the present Indian team, he would have been a shade better," he said.

The two were involved in a 104-run third wicket stand in Chennai in the final Test where Pataudi scored his maiden Test ton.

Farewell Dravid: The Wall signs off in style

London: Rahul Dravid signed off from his ODI career in style as the middle-order bulwark slammed a gritty 69 during the final ODI against England at Cardiff on Friday. Dravid who came to bat after the dismissal of Ajinkya Rahane didn’t disappoint his fans and delivered a magnificent knock during his last appearance in the coloured jersey.

Dravid scored 69 off 79 balls and shared 170-run stand with Virat Kohli for the third wicket. His knock was studded with 4 boundaries.

The 38-year-old has amassed 10,889 runs in 344 one-dayers. He also has 12 ODI centuries to his credit.

Dravid had announced his retirement before the start of the series after having been overlooked for limited-over games for most of the past two years.

Cricket greats, including star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, have richly praised Rahul Dravid for his contribution in ODIs.

Tendulkar called Dravid the "unsung hero of the Indian team" and said his value was reflected by the sheer amount of runs he has scored.