Fans divided over Shoaib’s future

As maverick fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sits out the ICC World Twenty20, omitted due to ‘skin conditions’ which have been elaborated upon in great detail in the press, majority of fans present at The Oval to witness the India game felt that sting will be missing from the Pakistan attack.

Many had thought Shoaib was on his way back into the team after featuring against Australia in the UAE series as he was also named in the 15-man England-bound squad, before being omitted on medical conditions.

Despite his off-field antics, regular injury problems, and at titude towards cricket — thought to be unprofessional by many — Shoaib still remains a favourite for a lot of fans. “He’s by far our best and fastest bowler and we need him back in the team as soon as possible,” Adil, a student covered in green, shouted across in excitement before adding “old is gold, you know, and there is no way you can replace Shoaib in the team.”

“We love Shoaib despite the reasons that he has been making the headlines for recently,” another fan added. “Without him, our attack is useless as we need the aggression and fear that he gathers in his approach to the wicket,” he said after the loss of the warm-up game on Wednesday. “He’s Pakistan’s x-factor,” another supporter dynamically put it. “Bring him back.”

The views were echoed by a few Indian supporters present at The Oval as well. “It’s not about Pakistan or India, it’s about cricket,” said Ajay, who described the warm-up as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”. “He’s a great bowler, and a human. He has made mistakes but for the sake of cricket, he should be given another chance as I would love to see him play again.”

While his fans were present in huge numbers, the doubters ensured their voices, and reasons, were heard clearly. “He is a selfish, ungrateful person and not a team player at all,” said Asad, a student from Karachi who is here on vacation. “’He’s unfit more often than not and his return, which is mostly brief, only destabilises the squad, especially the deserving, younger bowlers.”

While some harsh words were attributed to Shoaib, some justified and some out of sheer frustration, the fans also thought he was way past his prime and he should consider retirement right away. “It’s quite obvious his preference lies somewhere else, notably Bollywood,” a fan said. “He’s finished.”

© Faras Ghani 2009
Published in DAWN newspaper June 5, 2009