'Cricketers must ensure harmony between India and Pakistan' - Shoaib Akhtar hits back Virender Sehwag over 'chucking' comment

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag took the entire cricket world by storm by recently stating that ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar used to ‘chuck’ while bowling. One of the fastest bowlers to have graced the game, Akhtar was known for his terrifying pace and ability to hit the hard length. He also gave a tough time to several Indian batters including Sehwag.

The duo also got engaged in some verbal duels during their playing days. While both players are retired now, Sehwag reignited the battle by making the shocking statement. Unsurprisingly, Akhtar didn’t hold back either and hit Sehwag back. He urged the ex-Indian opener to be careful with his words and not give statements that hurt the harmony between the two neighbouring countries.

Virender Sehwag was a team man and one of the greatest openers: Shoaib Akhtar

“I would request Sehwag to not pass such comments. If Sehwag knows more than ICC, he is entitled to his opinion. My statement to Sehwag will be a bit different. I feel he was one of the greatest match-winners India has ever produced. He was a team man and among the greatest openers to have ever played for India,” Akhtar told Sportskeeda.

“At the moment, I am at that stage and age where I’m careful while dishing out my opinions. I don’t want to pass a comment or insult any player who has played on the national level. I haven’t seen the interview. Sehwag is a close friend but I don’t know if he has commented jokingly or if he is being serious,” he added.

Akhtar further requested Sehwag to bridge the relations between the two nations and not do otherwise. “Cricketers should make sure their statements don’t disturb the harmony between India and Pakistan. If there’s a 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,” he further said.

For the unversed, Sehwag in a recent interaction had stated that Akhtar used to ‘chuck’ his arm while bowling and the same made him a difficult bowler. He even claimed that the former pacer was aware of himself chucking. “Shoaib knows he used to jerk his elbow; he knew he was chucking too. Why would ICC ban him otherwise?” Sehwag told Sports18.