‘If he knows more than ICC…’ – Shoaib Akhtar hits back at Virender Sehwag for ‘chucking’ comment

Earlier this week, Virender Sehwag made a controversial ‘chucking’ comment on his contemporary Pakistan quick Shoaib Akhtar. Their on-field duel entertained fans back in time. However, even after retiring from the game, the heated exchange of words is still very much a thing between the two. In addition, he talked about how difficult it was to read the ball when it came out of Shoaib’s hands. However, these remarks didn’t please ‘The Rawalpindi Express’. Shoaib Akhtar advised Virender Sehwag to not pass such comments. Moreover, India’s star opener drew comparisons between Akhtar and Brett Lee. He added that it was easier to read Brett Lee as his ball came straight.

Virender Sehwag ‘chucking’ comment

“Shoaib knows he used to jerk his elbow; he knew he was chucking too. Why would ICC ban him otherwise? Brett Lee’s hand came down straight, so it was easy to pick the ball. But with Shoaib, you could never guess where the hand and the ball will come from.“ 

Virender Sehwag

Shoaib Akhtar hits back at Virender Sehwag for comment on bowling style

The India-Pak rivalry is going on for years. And there seems to be no end to it. However, apart from the game, the cricketers from the neighboring nations share a good rapport. Shoaib Akhtar had urged cricketers to not pass any such statement that can disrupt the harmony after Virender Sehwag made the ‘chucking’ comment.

“Cricketers should make sure their statements don’t disturb the harmony between India and Pakistan. If there’s scope for improvement in relations between the two countries, I should be able to play that bridge. I request Sehwag to be mindful while making such statements in the age of social media. I would request Virender Sehwag not to make such statements. If he knows more than the ICC, then I would agree with him. But that is his opinion. Rest, I can’t say much about that.

I don’t know if he has said this in a light-hearted tone or seriously. But whatever he says, I don’t feel bad about it at all. I wish him all the best. He is entitled to his own opinions and thoughts. That’s all I have to say. I am at a stage and age where I would weigh my comments very carefully. I would not make any statement on any player who has played at the national level, which hurts that person’s reputation in any way.“ 

Shoaib Akhtar