Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported retired fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s claims that Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar was scared of his pace, saying that he was a witness of “Tendulkar’s legs shivering” in front of the Rawalpindi Express.
In his book, Controversially Yours, Akhtar wrote that Tendulkar was scared of his bowling, a comment that has caused furore across the border, forcing publishers to cancel all launch-related and publicity events.
When asked about Akhtar’s claims in his book, Afridi showed no hesitation in backing the controversial bowler.
“Shoaib is telling the truth. Tendulkar was afraid of him, and while fielding, I saw Tendulkar’s legs shivering while facing his bowling,” The Express Tribune quoted Afridi, as saying.
However, the all-rounder added that it was not an unusual feature of a batsman.
“There are times when every batsman feels the pressure, it happens against [Pakistani off-spinner] Saeed Ajmal even,” said Afridi.
The former captain, however, was critical of Akhtar’s comments blaming Afridi for his omission from the 2011 ICC World Cup semi-final squad against India.
“Shoaib should remember that I apologised to the chairman and manager on his behalf and got him back into the national squad. While he hasn’t lied about other things, he won’t be able to look at me in the eyes after he’s said all that,” Afridi said.
