'I was told to target Sourav Ganguly's ribs' - Shoaib Akhtar recalls bizarre team meeting before Indo-Pak clash

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and former Pakistan express pacer Shoaib Akhtar were fierce rivals on the field while they have a good relationship off the field now. Over the years, both prominent players of the game indulged in several fierce battles on the field but their introduction to each other might still be one of the most dangerous moments in the left-handed batter’s career.

To note, Ganguly suffered a blow on his ribs and had to be taken out of the field after he was hit by a sharp short-length delivery bowled by Akhtar during an India vs Pakistan encounter in Mohali in 1999. Meanwhile, the former Pakistan pacer has now revealed that a team meeting had taken place before the match where Akhtar was clearly instructed to target the Indian batters with short-pitched deliveries and bowl at their body.

‘You have a lot of pace, just try to hit the batters’ – Shoaib Akhtar recalls team strategy

Speaking to Virender Sehwag on Star Sports’ ‘Frenemies’, Akhtar said, “I was always trying to target the head and ribs of a batsman. We had decided to target Ganguly on his ribs. In fact, it was decided in our meeting itself where it was discussed how I will try to hit batters. I asked, “Do I not dismiss them?’. They said, ‘No. You have a lot of pace. You just try to hit the batters, we will take care of getting them out.”

In reply, Sehwag said, “I’m sure Ganguly will be listening to this interview.” Akhtar then told Sehwag that he had already mentioned that to Ganguly earlier. “I had told Ganguly later that our plan was to target you in the ribs and not get you out,” he said.

Despite being fierce rivals on the field, both Akhtar and Ganguly have been on good terms. Akhtar also played under Ganguly’s captaincy during the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he was representing the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The former Pakistan pacer has also praised Ganguly for his batting skills and leadership qualities to take Indian cricket to new heights.