Controversially Yours by Shoaib Akhtar

[AZ]

Effigies ) ) ) oye hoye hoye hahahahaha!

Shebby 1 - 0 India

 

[miandadrules]

Is there any introspection on the part of Shoaib? Any admission of his own failings? Or is he trying to paint himself as a life-long victim?

 

[Namak_Halaal]

By the way, the cover is superb!

Front

Back

 

[Fallen King]

Changes were taking place in the Pakistani dressing room too. Discussing Inzamam ul-Haq's captaincy, Akhtar describes the team's growing radicalization. "To force grown-ups, as thought they were children, to do the namaz or zikr seems a bit strange to me. But some people thought that this was the way to take the team forward.Roza, namaz, tabliz were to be compulsory team events. Threats were used; if you don't pray with the team, you will be thrown out.

Islam has also given us instructions on when and how to pray. When the whole team got together for namaz, the bathroom floor would become wet and filthy. It was disgusting. Islam is all about purity, cleanliness. We began praying on air-planes, if you please. I firmly believe in namaz. However, a cricketer's primary duty is to play cricket. If you feel that cricket is less important, leave it - go out into the world and preach. When religion came into our dressing room, I thought, what hypocrisy!"

When asked why his attachment to his family saint and his deep religious belief still made him so uncomfortable with Inzamam's ways, he said: "Hypocrisy makes me uncomfortable. I am against imposing something on anybody - or me."

Astagfirullah!

I personally don't care about his opinion related to dressing room and Pakistan cricket, but leave Islam alone.

For the first time, i have witnessed Pakistan team gelled together through the whole 3 years period without any controversy (barring Akhtar controversies), and no oath taking, no undermining, and nothing at all. The biggest strength of Pakistan team was unity, and if Islam has united Pakistan cricket, then why not. If we follow Sunnah, and imposes Allaah's Laws on us in order to discipline us, and to protect us from drinking, partying, and any haraam activities which Pakistan team needed, and still need considering the amount of never ending controversies Pakistan team still has to face, and the latest issue is now as one struggle to respect the elder brother despite of differences, and before that, it was spot fixing, and 2009 was disaster because of the fact that our team has distanced themselves from Islam, and look at Pakistan situation, and how Allaah (SWT) has punished the team.

How can we pray Allaah (SWT) for victory if our team is enjoying haraam activities? Think about it. Allaah (SWT) answers to those who true follow the Sunnah, and pray Namaaz for the sake of Allaah (SWT) - not that one has to (feeling forced to do).

No wonder why the whole nation is messed, and to the extent, we have supporters endorsing political parties endorsing haraam activities, and prefer that over the Shariaw Law, and love of Pakistan, and unity of Pakistan.

Pakistan is lost, and need to get back to Islam truly. Both the nation and cricket team, and Insha'Allaah, it will get better.

 

[akheR]

Islam has not 'united' Pakistan cricket team.
It just brings a false sense of pseudo-religiosity, the all-emotional 'Pehlay Allah ka shukar hay' speeches followed by a meeting with a bookie where you sell your country for some thousand rupees.
He's spot on: you shouldn't bring religion in the dressing room, or at least not in the coercive manners as some have done in the past.
You're paid to play cricket primarily, that's it, and if you pray, fair enough but don't play the tablighi jamaat with the rest of the players.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Wow! I was just looking through my old PC thinking of clearing it out and I came across this montage i made years ago in 2006 that I never uploaded.
I'll try getting it up on this thread soon
Obv not by any means my best work but the last clip I have put into it is Tendu being smashed in the helmet by THAT bouncer in Faislabad that refers to in his book

 

[Warfare]

Islam has not 'united' Pakistan cricket team.
It just brings a false sense of pseudo-religiosity, the all-emotional 'Pehlay Allah ka shukar hay' speeches followed by a meeting with a bookie where you sell your country for some thousand rupees.
He's spot on: you shouldn't bring religion in the dressing room, or at least not in the coercive manners as some have done in the past.
You're paid to play cricket primarily, that's it, and if you pray, fair enough but don't play the tablighi jamaat with the rest of the players.

Thank the lord for this sane post.

 

[AZulfi]

Islam has not 'united' Pakistan cricket team.
It just brings a false sense of pseudo-religiosity, the all-emotional 'Pehlay Allah ka shukar hay' speeches followed by a meeting with a bookie where you sell your country for some thousand rupees.
He's spot on: you shouldn't bring religion in the dressing room, or at least not in the coercive manners as some have done in the past.
You're paid to play cricket primarily, that's it, and if you pray, fair enough but don't play the tablighi jamaat with the rest of the players.

+1

Incidentally it was Waqar (not Inzi) who first started these 'pehley Allah ka hukar hay' post match speeches

 

[akheR]

+1

Incidentally it was Waqar (not Inzi) who first started these 'pehley Allah ka hukar hay' post match speeches

But the whole religious ambiance, that's Saaed Anwar and/or Inzi no ?

 

[jedviper]

our neighbours always envy sachin tendulkar including their cricketers..... their attempts are like spitting on the sun... Pakistanis including their cricketers always crying that sachin is not a match winner....

I remember.... who had started this? it is by Imran Khan... reason .... sachin and inzamam made their international debut at the same time... at that time imran predicted inzamam is better batsman that sachin... however, after 6-7 years sachin left inzy far behind.... it makes imran angry... In an interview to rediff.com in 2000, Imran was the 1st to say in jealousy that sachin is not match winner...... pakistanis and their players thinks that match winner is the player who throws his bat in air after scoring wining run, it doesn't matter to them if he scores 1,2,5 or 10 runs....

IMO matchwinner is a player whose contribution is big in winning his side..... that matchwinner gets man of the match award.... Sachin won MOM 62 times.... most in the world..

If sachin is not match winner, then i doubt there exist anyone!

 

[Passionate-FastBowler]

Everyone has a right to his opinion. Why are you burning with the opinion of others ?

 

[emclub]

Shiv Sena threatened Shoaib

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110925/jsp/sports/story_14551621.jsp

 

[Paradox]

lol @ people who think Islam has united the team for the better.. if Islam has done anything, it's quite the opposite of that.

 

[smoothcriminal]

islam has not 'united' pakistan cricket team.
It just brings a false sense of pseudo-religiosity, the all-emotional 'pehlay allah ka shukar hay' speeches followed by a meeting with a bookie where you sell your country for some thousand rupees.
He's spot on: You shouldn't bring religion in the dressing room, or at least not in the coercive manners as some have done in the past.
You're paid to play cricket primarily, that's it, and if you pray, fair enough but don't play the tablighi jamaat with the rest of the players.

potw.

 

[JAI- a Cricket fan]

The Man with 62 MOM s not a match winner !!lol and Dravid s selfish ... Insecure Sachin Fans wen u know he s talkin BS to sell his book.. Plzz undrstand dat.. Few Sachins fans r so foolish here.. Plzz cease to be fans.. Insult to the legend.. why to respond.... I hav seen insecurity reaching peaks in this thread..

 

[Fallen King]

^ Akher

For the first time, Pakistan team was disciplined, united, and played like real team during Inzimam's captaincy, and despite of fine squad, but not better than the team of Imran Khan and Wasim Akram and their eras where they were much stronger. Inzimam has public fullest and truest support because of Inzimam devotion to Islam which changed himself entirely, and even if Pakistan loses, public would never dare to question his integrity at all. That's how much the nation has had faith in Inzimam in comparable to majority of captains of Pakistan and their captaincy during their eras where even today most captains don't have faith from the nation, and rightly so. (spot fixing...etc)
However, Inzimam captaincy has brought stabilization of the team despite of the fact that how the team was divided, and to the extent, one team has become two teams, divided, and they became their own enemy. Nowdays, team tries to undermine it own captaincy...etc. I remember when Inzimam has had some difference with PCB, and when Inzimam decided to protest, the whole team supported Inzimam over PCB, and supported Inzimam over captaincy. That's how much they trusted Inzimam, and to the extent, they knew Inziman was chosen one, and for the sake of Pakistan, supporting Inzimam has proven fruitful for Pakistan for all 3 years. But WC 2007 was unfortunate, and it wasn't Pakistan day, and the death of Bob Wolmer was shocking. Even today, we still can't believe how Ireland match that can affect so badly on Bob Wolmer. May Allaah (SWT) rests Bob in peace, Ameen!
Before Inzimam captaincy, Wasim-Waqar sour relationship that resulted in undermining the team completely, and the rumour of match fixing.....etc, and after the WC 92, how several players were caught for some recreational drug (not sure) during West Indies tour 93, and even before the WC 92, and especially Imran era where the relationship of Imran and Miandad weren't healthy either. The rumour of match fixing, and much more, or as per according to some former cricketers during Imran Khan era where it was all normal. Their words, not mine. (don't remember their names at the moment).
If Pakistan team was playing under Inzimam captaincy, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer would be playing for sure. There would be no more oath taking, dramas, controversies, undermining of one captain to another, insulting someone in public. All these could have been prevented, and to the extent, most of players would be afraid to break the rules like for example, partying, drinking, ...etc, during the tour.
The team is not afraid to undermine one captain, nor afraid to take oat taking against someone, and neither, is afraid to break the rules either. If Inzimam was captain, none of them would dare to do these even behind Inzimam's back. Inzimam has kicked Shoaib Akhtar out most often because of his attitude towards the team. That's why Shoaib Akhtar is being bitter, and Islamic laws is what complete contradict Shoaib Akhtar's lifestyle. Go figure.
It's same, Shoaib Akhtar who was involved in drug, hit Asif with bat, and done far worse, and to the extent, he even pushed Bob Wolmer before the WC 2007 (Allah Alim), and May Allaah (SWT) rests Bob in peace, Ameen!
It's okay to believe him, but don't blindly trust Shoaib Akhtar completely and anything Shoaib Akhtar says because of his history that is against him. That is the kind of guy who finds it unacceptable of several cricketers praying Namaaz. How can you trust him now? It's Islam that made our cricketers professional, and without Islam integrating in their lives, look at today situation, Aamir-Asif-Butt are banned, Akhtar-Asif were caught on drugs, Akhtar hits bat on Asif, 2009 disaster comprises of undermining one captaincy, oat taking....etc. That's what you call professional? Define professional. I assure you that all of these wouldn't be allowed under Inzimam's captaincy. That's how much the team has truly feared Inzimam, and it was good for the team.


Younus Khan, Saeed Ajmal, and several others. They are all Namaazi types, and very devout to Islam, and that's what characterize them as Professional. In comparable to Asif-Amir-Butt-Akhtar (his drug), and several others, if anything, that brought bad name of Pakistan let alone to talk about Professionalism.

 

[emclub]

 

[emclub]

Tony Grieg tweets

Akhtar's new autobiography 'Controversially Yours' suggests Tendulkar was 'scared' of his short-pitched stuff. He must be joking!!

 

[jedviper]

gud one bro...............

 

[emclub]

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Defa...e=GIF&PageLabel=19&EntityId=Ar01800&AppName=1

 

[kabirg]

Shoaib is talking about one particular incident so chill out sachinists.


aye, but at least Shoaib is not calling himself "baap" like someone. eh,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us7LJJgFRwc

 

[Romali_rotti]

Ordered my copy............... I actually do believe Wasim might have halted Shoibs Career also....

 

[Poison]

Ok seriously been watching through these various interviews & news reports and the people who are so offended and up tight really need to the stick out their back side.

The media has single handedly created controversy out of somthing which doesn't even be solid fact!

People need to wait and read the book them self before jumping on the badwaggon and just believing everything the media spoon feeds them!

Media: "Sachin is scared of fast bowling"
Akhtar: "On that particular day in Faislabad i felt Tendu didnt wanna play fast bowling i didnt call him a dar bokh or anything"
Media: "....so you came out on top then VS sachin??"

Media: "Sharukh Khan & Lalit Modi screwed you over"
Akhtar: "No lalat modi screwed me over..i never said Sharukh screwed me over"
Media: ".......so how exactly did sharukh screw you over?"

Media: "SO you regret going IPL?"
Akhtar: "No i loved the IPL...to play in india and see the indian people cheering for me was amazing!"
Media: "....so why did you hate IPL?"

Media: "Have you forgiven Afridi for dropping you in the 2011 WC SF?
Akhtar: Theres nothing to forgive him for. I was just devastated we lost. I just felt like it was soming which brought together the whole of Pak together and was sad to see us loose
Media: "So you think if you played you would win?"
Akhtar: "No i dont only Allah knows that but it was dissapointing"
Media: "....so still mad at Afridi for dropping you then?"

Media: "Pakistani greats ball tamper?"
Akhtar: "People all over the world ball tamper including the likes of sachin, english players, australian players"
Media: "....so why does Pakistan ball tamper?"

Media: "Who match fixed in Paks team?"
Akhtar: "I dont know but I said it happens"
Media: "how do you know if it happens or not?"
Akhtar: "I was approached"
Media: "So why didnt you name who match fixes?"
Akhtar: "Because i dont know if they have i just know we are approaced and happens all over the world"
Media: ".....so what % of Paks team match fixes??"

And then the one i find most annoying my self:

Media: "Sachin isnt a great"
Akhtar: "He is a great"
Media: "But he's not your fav"
Akhtar: "No"
Media: "Then he's not a great like Ponting, Viv & Lara?"
Akhtar: "Hes the greatest of them...but hes not my fav?"
Media: "...........so he's not a great?"

Seriously at times i just really feel like slapping the face off some of these annoying media reporters who are just looking to try and get a bite onto something they can make a big deal out of!!

Theres an 8 page thread on this forum, with a lot of people attacking Akhtar for these comments which none of us have seen him make but have just been fed to us by the media!

PLEASE PEOPLE AT LEAST WAIT FOR THE BOOK TO BE RELEASED FIRST!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On a side note:

Media: "So Waqar & Wasim were greats but they were not good role models and captains and caused a lot of tension in the dressing room"
Akhtar: "Yes"

So i can see why is annoyed but lets be honest...we all know that the 2 W's weren't exactly BFF's and that would have created friction in the changing room and wasnt the best example to set for the youngsters like Akhtar coming into the team!

Good post

He's clarified that he was just talking about that one series in Faisalabad when Teenda was having trouble with tennis elbow. As usual Indian media going nuts, Indian people going nuts, lols being delivered )

 

[Saqs]

Good post

He's clarified that he was just talking about that one series in Faisalabad when Teenda was having trouble with tennis elbow. As usual Indian media going nuts, Indian people going nuts, lols being delivered )

Lols and increase in book sales

 

[Saqs]

Tony Grieg tweets

Just an asskissing twit.

Seriously people just read the book before making stupid conclusions.

 

[Saqs]

Ive just had a genius idea.

Kidnap Sachin.

Kashmir for ransom.

Problem solved.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Just an asskissing twit.

Seriously people just read the book before making stupid conclusions.

Tony Greig takes a shot at India whenever he gets a chance, I dunno what you are talking about here....

 

[Saqs]

Tony Greig takes a shot at India whenever he gets a chance, I dunno what you are talking about here....

This is also true but he is always just talking up any flavor of the month.

Eg when he commentates in the Lanka v Aus series in Lanka - he is talking up Lankan players no end.

But for the same series in Australia and surrounded by his cohort of channel 9 commentators he sings to a different tune.

He's just an all round asskissing twit.

 

[shehzi]

The book is selling ...hmmmm which gives me an Idea to write a book too,obviously in Urdu

"App Ka Charsi Juwari"

 

[Romali_rotti]

Ive just had a genius idea.

Kidnap Sachin.

Kashmir for ransom.

Problem solved.

You know what ? it just might work....

 

[Namak_Halaal]

I think it's safe to say the world now knows of India's Achilles Heel; one sentence against SRT and India is on the back foot.

 

[Rana]

GET IN THERE SHOAIB AKHTAR!!!!!

atleast he has been honest and given us a true pictue of the PCB! Can you imagine someone like Wasim Akram giving us this much insight?? off-course not, he was one of them womanising thugs!

 

[Rana]

our neighbours always envy sachin tendulkar including their cricketers..... their attempts are like spitting on the sun... Pakistanis including their cricketers always crying that sachin is not a match winner....

I remember.... who had started this? it is by Imran Khan... reason .... sachin and inzamam made their international debut at the same time... at that time imran predicted inzamam is better batsman that sachin... however, after 6-7 years sachin left inzy far behind.... it makes imran angry... In an interview to rediff.com in 2000, Imran was the 1st to say in jealousy that sachin is not match winner...... pakistanis and their players thinks that match winner is the player who throws his bat in air after scoring wining run, it doesn't matter to them if he scores 1,2,5 or 10 runs....

IMO matchwinner is a player whose contribution is big in winning his side..... that matchwinner gets man of the match award.... Sachin won MOM 62 times.... most in the world..

If sachin is not match winner, then i doubt there exist anyone!

For the sake of 100 centuries, Sachin Caused a 4-0 whitewash this summer. If he was really serious about his team, he should have toured the Windies and got that 100 and played like a man for his team against England. Every frikkin innings was a lame attempt for that 100, and every time his team suffered huge defaets!

 

[TalhaSyed]

Good post

He's clarified that he was just talking about that one series in Faisalabad when Teenda was having trouble with tennis elbow. As usual Indian media going nuts, Indian people going nuts, lols being delivered )

Thanks!

But exactly! the indian media is giving this book all the attention could ever ask for! )

 

[Zaz]

Astagfirullah!

I personally don't care about his opinion related to dressing room and Pakistan cricket, but leave Islam alone.

For the first time, i have witnessed Pakistan team gelled together through the whole 3 years period without any controversy (barring Akhtar controversies), and no oath taking, no undermining, and nothing at all. The biggest strength of Pakistan team was unity, and if Islam has united Pakistan cricket, then why not. If we follow Sunnah, and imposes Allaah's Laws on us in order to discipline us, and to protect us from drinking, partying, and any haraam activities which Pakistan team needed, and still need considering the amount of never ending controversies Pakistan team still has to face, and the latest issue is now as one struggle to respect the elder brother despite of differences, and before that, it was spot fixing, and 2009 was disaster because of the fact that our team has distanced themselves from Islam, and look at Pakistan situation, and how Allaah (SWT) has punished the team.

How can we pray Allaah (SWT) for victory if our team is enjoying haraam activities? Think about it. Allaah (SWT) answers to those who true follow the Sunnah, and pray Namaaz for the sake of Allaah (SWT) - not that one has to (feeling forced to do).

No wonder why the whole nation is messed, and to the extent, we have supporters endorsing political parties endorsing haraam activities, and prefer that over the Shariaw Law, and love of Pakistan, and unity of Pakistan.

Pakistan is lost, and need to get back to Islam truly. Both the nation and cricket team, and Insha'Allaah, it will get better.

Poor post! Pakistan cricket teams no 1 priority shouldve been training, analysis and strategy - not prayer. Yes if players want to pray they can Nobody shouldve been coerced/forced/blackmailed into it

Pakistans focus was lost during 07 world cup, instead of preparing to do their best we relied on prayer. It was horrible to see our portly men in jubbas with big beards whilst other teams looked fit, sprightly and energetic

 

[USIND]

Indian media is over-reacting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says.

 

[velu]

Indian media is over-reacting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says.

This

 

[PAF]

Poor post! Pakistan cricket teams no 1 priority shouldve been training, analysis and strategy - not prayer. Yes if players want to pray they can Nobody shouldve been coerced/forced/blackmailed into it

Pakistans focus was lost during 07 world cup, instead of preparing to do their best we relied on prayer. It was horrible to see our portly men in jubbas with big beards whilst other teams looked fit, sprightly and energetic

So wearing a JUBBA, having a BEARED and praying 5 times a day means you are not well prepared,unfit and not energetic. Great!

 

[hafeezrocks]

What I dont understand is why People who were into Girls & Alcohol when they were young after a few years started growing beard and imposing religion on other youngsters.

 

[saeedhk]

Poor post! Pakistan cricket teams no 1 priority shouldve been training, analysis and strategy - not prayer. Yes if players want to pray they can Nobody shouldve been coerced/forced/blackmailed into it

Pakistans focus was lost during 07 world cup, instead of preparing to do their best we relied on prayer. It was horrible to see our portly men in jubbas with big beards whilst other teams looked fit, sprightly and energetic

I think you need to check out Hashim Amla's batting average.

 

[Namak_Halaal]

Let's add a little perspective here. SA was the world’s fastest bowler and on his day he was unplayable. Such an achievement is no fluke. His job was to READ the batsmen and PREDICT and INFLUENCE their next move. You have to be smart, intelligent, and cunning to do so. The result? He understood the fragility of the Indian mind-set, he understood psychology, and my oh my he applied this skill in such a way that he played the Indian nation at the tune of Dil Dil Pakistan while cementing his legend in the process.

Take a bow Shoaib Akther - I salute you!

 

[Ryw]

Ive just had a genius idea.

Kidnap Sachin.

Kashmir for ransom.

Problem solved.

SS you genious what if in response they kidnap Misblock ul Haq and demand Kashmir again

 

[Britstani]

SS you genious what if in response they kidnap Misblock ul Haq and demand Kashmir again

They can keep Misbah!!!

 

[velu]

SS you genious what if in response they kidnap Misblock ul Haq and demand Kashmir again

what you will do if we kidnap afridi ??
we might get half of pakisthan

 

[Noman]

what you will do if we kidnap afridi ??
we might get half of pakisthan

Please kitnap him.. Selfish loser.....
FIXED

 

[Ryw]

what you will do if we kidnap afridi ??
we might get half of pakisthan

Dont ever think about it coz forgettt about Pakistan Lala has so many fans in Afghanistan also and you know

Khans they will forgive America and utilise their all efforts towards India liban

 

[Ryw]

They can keep Misbah!!!

You are also a fan of Misbah i fink )

 

[VTEC]

I think you need to check out Hashim Amla's batting average.

Hashim Amla is not a Portly man and as Fit as a Batsman can be
If half of the English Team grows a beard they will not become Portly men or Loose their Fitness

He just meant that the our Teams focus was clearly not on Fitness and Training in 07 WC

 

[Rana]

Indian media is over-reacting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says.

Every pakistani bowler is high class for your bowler's sake. Learn to respect fast bowling if you wish that you have bowlers who genetically enhance from 70mph to 85mph+.

 

[Savak]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYEVKV_gO1Y

 

[Legend Killer]

Indian media is over-reacting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says.

Small time bowler? he is better than ANY bowler your country of one billion has produced in its cricketing history

 

[Saqs]

what you will do if we kidnap afridi ??
we might get half of pakisthan

kidnap Shahid. Boy that would be some death wish

 

[Saqs]

SS you genious what if in response they kidnap Misblock ul Haq and demand Kashmir again

Rakh lo ushe. 100 bismillah.

 

[Savak]

Boria: Responsibly yours?

Sports autobiographies have often had a history of disturbing the normal parameters. Shoaib Akhtar's book, 'Controversially Yours', is a case in point, writes Boria Majumdar.

The nation is up in arms over Shoaib’s startling revelations in his autobiography, 'Controversially Yours'. His bold and rather disturbing statements about some of India’s biggest icons have left Indian fans angry and frustrated. So much so that the BCCI has now demanded that Shoaib issue an apology for trying to tarnish the reputations of Dravid and Tendulkar.

The question we need to ask in this context is how frank should or can an autobiography be? Should Shoaib have opened up in the way he has or should he have left some things untouched? For example, he may have done better by not saying that everyone tampers with the ball, a point he has repeatedly mentioned in all his interviews in the last 48 hours.

It is a catch-22 situation. On the one hand, we expect the subject to open up completely and give us the truth, the absolute truth, in his or her autobiography. On the other hand, if such truths are unpleasant, as truths most often are, we feel disturbed and let down and immediately move to suggesting that the writer must be trying to ensure the book gets maximum publicity and makes it to the best-seller charts.

Wasim Akram has already suggested the latter in his reaction to Shoaib’s claims. While he may be correct, it is also proper to admit that Shoaib is entitled to sharing his point of view in his autobiography. It is his book and in it he has the last word, whether we like it or not.

It is this aspect, the possibility of upsetting well-established parameters of behaviour and wisdom, that makes the writing of sports autobiographies difficult. Can they be used as source for future research or rather, can Shoaib be taken at face value?

That he is trying his best to clarify his stance on Sachin Tendulkar is proof that his observations on Sachin in the book may have been expressed differently. This only strengthens the claim that the book is geared to meet the needs of the market. In his interaction with me at his book launch in New Delhi, Shoaib went to great lengths to say that “on that particular day in Faislabad, Sachin may have been scared. That is not to suggest that Sachin was scared of me or he is not a great cricketer. I am only referring to that particular day.”

This, however, is not what comes out in the book, where he states, “I think players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren’t exactly match-winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game. I bowled (Sachin) a particularly fast ball which he, to my amazement, didn’t even touch. He walked away! That was the first time I saw him walk away from me - that, too, on the slow track at Faislabad. It got my hunting instincts up. In the next match, I hit him on the head, and he could not score after that.”

Self contradiction, as cited above, is fast becoming the norm in the immediate aftermath of publication for most sports autobiographies. The one that immediately comes to mind is Adam Gilchrist’s 'True Colours'.

The book caused much controversy, with Gilchrist calling Sachin Tendulkar a bad sport. He subsequently tried to clarify things in a personal phone call made to Sachin during Australia’s tour of India in October-November, 2008. Despite reading the section many a time, one fails to fathom how a clarification could help undo the written word.

Twice in 'True Colours' is Sachin mentioned as a bad sport and the telephonic clarification only resulted in confusing the reader. It appeared that Gilchrist was in damage-control mode, knowing full well that the book would lose credibility if Sachin was wrongly implicated in the narrative. That Sachin came out saying Gilchrist hardly knows him well to write such a thing only helped to dirty the turf and the book was in the news for all the wrong reasons in India.

With Sachin now saying “it is beneath his dignity to react to Akhtar’s claims”, it can well be that 'Controversially Yours' does well in the market for its sensational news value.

The larger point here is one about honesty and integrity. While the writer is every bit within his right to say whatever he likes without being libellous, he should also be firm enough to stand by his statements, post publication. Contradictions in the face of media pressure only result in damaging the book’s credibility and defeats the very purpose for which it was written - document the real truths.

Link: http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/int...s/detail/item680306/Boria:-Responsibly-yours/

 

[SID_ZONE]

That he is trying his best to clarify his stance on Sachin Tendulkar is proof that his observations on Sachin in the book may have been expressed differently. This only strengthens the claim that the book is geared to meet the needs of the market. In his interaction with me at his book launch in New Delhi, Shoaib went to great lengths to say that “on that particular day in Faislabad, Sachin may have been scared. That is not to suggest that Sachin was scared of me or he is not a great cricketer. I am only referring to that particular day.”

This, however, is not what comes out in the book, where he states, “I think players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren’t exactly match-winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game. I bowled (Sachin) a particularly fast ball which he, to my amazement, didn’t even touch. He walked away! That was the first time I saw him walk away from me - that, too, on the slow track at Faislabad. It got my hunting instincts up. In the next match, I hit him on the head, and he could not score after that.”

I wasn't far off the mark with my prediction

Waiting for an apology or backtracking on his opinion on Sachin and Dravid.

 

[12cavalry]

Indian media is over-reacting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says.

tsk tsk

 

[DOOSRA95]

our neighbours always envy sachin tendulkar including their cricketers..... their attempts are like spitting on the sun... Pakistanis including their cricketers always crying that sachin is not a match winner....

I remember.... who had started this? it is by Imran Khan... reason .... sachin and inzamam made their international debut at the same time... at that time imran predicted inzamam is better batsman that sachin... however, after 6-7 years sachin left inzy far behind.... it makes imran angry... In an interview to rediff.com in 2000, Imran was the 1st to say in jealousy that sachin is not match winner...... pakistanis and their players thinks that match winner is the player who throws his bat in air after scoring wining run, it doesn't matter to them if he scores 1,2,5 or 10 runs....

IMO matchwinner is a player whose contribution is big in winning his side..... that matchwinner gets man of the match award.... Sachin won MOM 62 times.... most in the world..

If sachin is not match winner, then i doubt there exist anyone!

In more use less matches.!!!!

 

[Zaz]

So wearing a JUBBA, having a BEARED and praying 5 times a day means you are not well prepared,unfit and not energetic. Great!

Thats not what i said Our players focus was lost They were forced to pray There shouldve been no place for islamic lectures when they were together As cricketers their no 1 priority when they gt together shouldve been preparation and fitness geared towards winning cricket matches Not tableegh The disastrous 2007 WC campaign was a result of this

 

[KingKhanWC]

Shiv Sena threatened Shoaib

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110925/jsp/sports/story_14551621.jsp

Shiv Sena to the rescue!

Much of India showing some serious narrow minds.

 

[USIND]

Every pakistani bowler is high class for your bowler's sake. Learn to respect fast bowling if you wish that you have bowlers who genetically enhance from 70mph to 85mph+.

Tell that to .

Small time bowler? he is better than ANY bowler your country of one billion has produced in its cricketing history

tsk tsk

Yes,he is a small time player as compared to Sachin & Dravid.

And I am entitled to my opinion.

 

[Fallen King]

Thats not what i said Our players focus was lost They were forced to pray There shouldve been no place for islamic lectures when they were together As cricketers their no 1 priority when they gt together shouldve been preparation and fitness geared towards winning cricket matches Not tableegh The disastrous 2007 WC campaign was a result of this

That's your opinion. You don't know about the truth nor do we. We can't just say it's because of this, resulted in poor WC 2007. WC 2007 wasn't belonged to us. We have to accept that it's Allaah's Will, and why? Because Pakistan didn't deserve to win WC 92, and WC T20 2009 either, but Pakistan miraculously made it to semi final, and especially during the Ramadan for WC 92. It was clear that Allaah (SWT) has laid out perfect setting for Pakistan to win both WC even though Pakistan didn't deserve to win both because of beginning of their disaster performance of both WC's.

Plus, it's because of Islamic activities, cricketers started to work hard, became proper disciplined, and behaved like Muslim at least (that's desperately needed in our cricketers because of their lack of discipline unfortunately), in comparable to England tour 2010 where most of our players were partying all night during the Test series. Meeting with bookers....etc.

Remember, only one man is complaining, but the whole team isn't. It's obvious for what sort of statement we would expect from one cricketer with his history of doing haraam activities for his whole life. (that's his life whatever he does, but also, should mind his own business in other people matters) Surprisingly, people rather believe this guy. May Allaah (SWT) helps the nation, and the team, Ameen!

No true Muslim will feel forced to pray because they are Muslim, and take Islam very seriously. The issues like partying, backbiting...etc, shows that we are not perfect, and some takes time to become proper Muslim, and some Muslim people embrace immediately.

Allaah (SWT) is The Most Merciful, Most Beneficent - That's we always begin with. You should also understand the word 'Merciful' and 'Most Beneficent'.


Since, you are blaming on Islamic activities for the Pakistan team performance. Why not add these; drug, backbiting, undermining, oath taking (strictly against Islam), spot fixing, match fixing, disrespecting coach, insulting someone on interview.....etc.

 

[12cavalry]

Yes,he is a small time player as compared to Sachin & Dravid.

Whatever.

And I am entitled to my opinion.

Yes, sadly.

 

[KingKhanWC]

That's your opinion. You don't know about the truth nor do we. We can't just say it's because of this, resulted in poor WC 2007. WC 2007 wasn't belonged to us. We have to accept that it's Allaah's Will, and why? Because Pakistan didn't deserve to win WC 92, and WC T20 2009 either, but Pakistan miraculously made it to semi final, and especially during the Ramadan for WC 92. It was clear that Allaah (SWT) has laid out perfect setting for Pakistan to win both WC even though Pakistan didn't deserve to win both because of beginning of their disaster performance of both WC's.

Plus, it's because of Islamic activities, cricketers started to work hard, became proper disciplined, and behaved like Muslim at least (that's desperately needed in our cricketers because of their lack of discipline unfortunately), in comparable to England tour 2010 where most of our players were partying all night during the Test series. Meeting with bookers....etc.

No true Muslim will feel forced to pray because they are Muslim, and take Islam very seriously. The issues like partying, backbiting...etc, shows that we are not perfect, and some takes time to become proper Muslim, and some Muslim people embrace immediately.

Allaah (SWT) is The Most Merciful, Most Beneficent - That's we always begin with. You should also understand the word 'Merciful' and 'Most Beneficent'.


Since, you are blaming on Islamic activities for the Pakistan team performance. Why not add these; drug, backbiting, undermining, oath taking (strictly against Islam), spot fixing, match fixing, disrespecting coach, insulting someone on interview.....etc.

It's a cricket team. Religion should be kept seperate to cricket. Inzy and his anyone else should get on with their prayers without pressuring others to join in. They are paid to play cricket not do dawah to team mates. Akhtar has wrote he was threatned with beign dropped which is pathetic and harldy Islamic behaviour.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yes,he is a small time player as compared to Sachin & Dravid.

And I am entitled to my opinion.

You wrote small time bowler. They are batsmen, do keep up.

 

[USIND]

Originally Posted by USIND

Yes,he is a small time player as compared to Sachin & Dravid.

And I am entitled to my opinion.

You wrote small time bowler. They are batsmen, do keep up.

Please check again.

 

[akheR]

Plus, it's because of Islamic activities, cricketers started to work hard, became proper disciplined, and behaved like Muslim at least (that's desperately needed in our cricketers because of their lack of discipline unfortunately), in comparable to England tour 2010 where most of our players were partying all night during the Test series. Meeting with bookers....etc.

The irony being that the best Pakistan team came in the 90s, decade of relative 'debauchery'.
And I hope you know how the maulvi types love to play politics too, ask Younus Khan. :aamirliaquat

Don't expect another of your well-written essays, but get it: cricket has nothing to do with religion. If you want to pray, do it, but no shor sharaba, that's all Shoaib Akhtar asked for.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Please check again.

I was referring to your ealier post. To help your poor memory

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says. "

Just like the rest of India you don't know whether you are coming or going. Yorked by

 

[velu]

Please check again.

eh.. USIND you tricked KKWC

 

[Fallen King]

It's a cricket team. Religion should be kept seperate to cricket. Inzy and his anyone else should get on with their prayers without pressuring others to join in. They are paid to play cricket not do dawah to team mates. Akhtar has wrote he was threatned with beign dropped which is pathetic and harldy Islamic behaviour.

Only one person has complained. The rest didn't, and perhaps, they wanted to pray. WC 2011 is where our team rumoured to have prayed Namaaz for the whole WC as well. That brought the best out of the team.

Just because they participate in Islamic activities, that doesn't mean they are not gonna concentrate on Cricket, fitness...etc. Why people get the impression that Islamic activities actually interfere their routine daily?

I would rather they stick with Islamic activities, rather than spot fixing, partying, hanging out with girls during the TOUR...etc.
Pakistan is an Islamic nation. The only way Pakistan will progress, not only as the nation, but also the team, is because of Sunnah. If we don't have support from Allaah (SWT), the nation along with the team will never succeed. We can't survive in today world without Allaah's support, and nor can Pakistan (surrounded by enemies anywhere).
How can we gain support from Allaah (SWT) in order to succeed? Follow the Islam, and Allaah's Laws. It's simple. Otherwise, it would be our fault, what 80's has repeated 90's, and then, 2000, and even, today with spot fixing. Islamic activities are only hope to prevent this dangerous disease now.

How can you trust Shoaib Akhtar in this case? Isn't the same man who has hit Asif with bat, took drug to defame the whole nation? Controversies, lack of discipline, lack of respect for the team and for the Chairman...etc are part of his life. Since, when he becomes trustworthy person now? I don't trust him.

Anyone could tell that what he is saying, actually encouraging more controversies to promote the book.

 

[USIND]

eh.. USIND you tricked KKWC

I know.

I was referring to your ealier post. To help your poor memory

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what a small time bowler says. "

Just like the rest of India you don't know whether you are coming or going. Yorked by

Lol ) I guess,you didn't get it. It meant:

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what says" .

 

[SAF]

Seems like Akhtar has lit up a fire under Indians' ***'s!!

Cant wait to read this book!

 

[velu]

Seems like Akhtar has lit up a fire under Indians' ***'s!!

Cant wait to read this book!

you wont get anything to read
because we are going to burn whatever is available

 

[KingKhanWC]

Only one person has complained. The rest didn't, and perhaps, they wanted to pray. WC 2011 is where our team rumoured to have prayed Namaaz for the whole WC as well. That brought the best out of the team.

Just because they participate in Islamic activities, that doesn't mean they are not gonna concentrate on Cricket, fitness...etc. Why people get the impression that Islamic activities actually interfere their routine daily?

I would rather they stick with Islamic activities, rather than spot fixing, partying, hanging out with girls during the TOUR...etc.
Pakistan is an Islamic nation. The only way Pakistan will progress, not only as the nation, but also the team, is because of Sunnah. If we don't have support from Allaah (SWT), the nation along with the team will never succeed. We can't survive in today world without Allaah's support, and nor can Pakistan (surrounded by enemies anywhere).
How can we gain support from Allaah (SWT) in order to succeed? Follow the Islam, and Allaah's Laws. It's simple. Otherwise, it would be our fault, what 80's has repeated 90's, and then, 2000, and even, today with spot fixing. Islamic activities are only hope to prevent this dangerous disease now.

How can you trust Shoaib Akhtar in this case? Isn't the same man who has hit Asif with bat, took drug to defame the whole nation? Controversies, lack of discipline, lack of respect for the team and for the Chairman...etc are part of his life. Since, when he becomes trustworthy person now? I don't trust him.

Anyone could tell that what he is saying, actually encouraging more controversies to promote the book.

I not denying Islam is a good thing for the players to practice.

I don't know if he's telling the truth but no player should ever be told he may be dropped if he doesn't take part in prayers etc.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion.We all know where Sachin & Dravid stand,it hardly matters what says" .

I know what you meant but was just correcting you. Never mind. You call him a small time bowler, what does this make your bowlers? Think about it.

 

[velu]

 

[Zaz]

Only one person has complained. The rest didn't, and perhaps, they wanted to pray. WC 2011 is where our team rumoured to have prayed Namaaz for the whole WC as well. That brought the best out of the team.

Just because they participate in Islamic activities, that doesn't mean they are not gonna concentrate on Cricket, fitness...etc. Why people get the impression that Islamic activities actually interfere their routine daily?

I would rather they stick with Islamic activities, rather than spot fixing, partying, hanging out with girls during the TOUR...etc.
Pakistan is an Islamic nation. The only way Pakistan will progress, not only as the nation, but also the team, is because of Sunnah. If we don't have support from Allaah (SWT), the nation along with the team will never succeed. We can't survive in today world without Allaah's support, and nor can Pakistan (surrounded by enemies anywhere).
How can we gain support from Allaah (SWT) in order to succeed? Follow the Islam, and Allaah's Laws. It's simple. Otherwise, it would be our fault, what 80's has repeated 90's, and then, 2000, and even, today with spot fixing. Islamic activities are only hope to prevent this dangerous disease now.

How can you trust Shoaib Akhtar in this case? Isn't the same man who has hit Asif with bat, took drug to defame the whole nation? Controversies, lack of discipline, lack of respect for the team and for the Chairman...etc are part of his life. Since, when he becomes trustworthy person now? I don't trust him.

Anyone could tell that what he is saying, actually encouraging more controversies to promote the book.

There hve been rumours before about force n blackmail. Akhter has confirmed this. Im sure others will also come out and confirm this when they dont hve to answer to PCB

and btw not everyone in pakistan team was a muslim at that time :kaneria None of this shouldve gone on

 

[VTEC]

I know what you meant but was just correcting you. Never mind. You call him a small time bowler, what does this make your bowlers? Think about it.

The word is not even invented yet to describe the Indian Bowlers in comparison

 

[USIND]

I know what you meant but was just correcting you. Never mind. You call him a small time bowler, what does this make your bowlers? Think about it.

Our bowlers utilize their credentials to best.Atleast,they're not brats & full of controversies & they don't point finger at others to hide their own short-comings.Akhtar,being so talented,was of no use when required the most (World Cup).





This is just my opinion.

 

[Savak]

Our bowlers utilize their credentials to best.Atleast,they're not brats & full of controversies & they don't point finger at others to hide their own short-comings.Akhtar,being so talented,was of no use when required the most (World Cup).





This is just my opinion.

Indeed, 8-0 testifies to that perfectly. We would rather have brats full of controversies as opposed to bowlers who utilize their credentials to the best and still lose 8-0.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Our bowlers utilize their credentials to best.Atleast,they're not brats & full of controversies & they don't point finger at others to hide their own short-comings.Akhtar,being so talented,was of no use when required the most (World Cup).
This is just my opinion.

What shortcomings? Akthar on his day for too hot to handle for Teenda and any other Indian batsmen. . Akhtar himself in the book has stated he worked them over.

You called him a small time bowler so name one Indian pacer who is big time bowler?

 

[Azlan Khan]

I Need This Book! Anywhere In The UK?