Shoaib takes dig at Sehwag

KARACHI: Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said he would always be grateful to Jagmohan Dalmiya for supporting him when his bowling action was questioned for the first time and took a dig at Virender Sehwag for calling him a "chucker".
   
Shoaib, out of his latest doping controversy, said he had a "terrible" time during his first encounter with controversy when his bowling action was suspected to be illegal.

"That was a terrible period and it really hurt me. The first time, in 1999-2000, was awful. I'm always going to be thankful to Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, the then ICC president, for his support," Shoaib said.

Shoaib, however, said he had to face a lot of taunts about his bowling action from other Indians such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.
   
"Sachin is a good batsman and humble person. (But) at the same time, I haven't forgotten he once called me a chucker. I had to restrain myself. Virender Sehwag said the sathing and, today, he's been chucked out of the team," he was quoted as saying by the 'Dawn'.

Shoaib, who was recalled from India on the eve ofPakistan's Champions Trophy opener last year, was first banned for two years by Pakistan Cricket Board's anti-doping committee but was exonerated by the Board's appeal committee.

But the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sports, which early this week dismissed the appeal.

"My own countrymen shunned me, with some even refusing to look at me. It was a terrible period. Everybody's body mechanism isn't same and certain levels are higher in my body compared to others," Shoaib said.

"My hormone level fluctuates. I didn't take drugs to enhance my performance. I don't need to. I don't know why I was treated so badly. The test didn't show I was an evilperson. I've always been misunderstood. I've never seen myself bigger than the game," he said.

The temperamental bowler also often made headlines for being indisciplined on tours and quarrels with coach Bob Woolmer.

"It took me a year to understand Bob. It probably him quite a bit of time to understand me as well and realize that match-winners are rare and need to be looked after. We did have differences, but I didn't misbehave.

"I admit to a big argument with him in South Africa earlier this year, when he suspected I was faking a hamstring injury. I exploded, for he had no business doubting my integrity and patriotism. Next day, Bob apologised as he was misinformed of my injury.
   
"His death left me stunned. What's worse is his body remained in Kingston for weeks and weeks. Such indignity."

The 31-year-old player said despite the controversies his urge to play for the country had not reduced.

"Every controversy has made me a better and stronger person. I may have felt gutted, but the controversies haven't killed my josh and desire to play for Pakistan...

"Today, I'm working towards bowling in excess of 100 mph.Obsession or not, I'm going to achieve it," said Shoaib, whohas taken 208 wickets in 133 Tests and 169 in 43 one-day matches.