Off The Field

Lahore had snowfall last year: Shoaib Akhtar responds to Sunil Gavaskar’s remark

Written by Vipin Darwade

Reactions have poured in from different corners ever since former Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar came up with a proposal of India-Pakistan Test series to raise funds for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Akhtar, who has been one of the most active cricketers on social media, suggested that a bilateral series between the two neighbours might help them financially as the viewership would be huge.

However, senior Indian cricketers rebuffed Akhtar’s proposal saying there was no need for any such series. While India’s World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev opined India did not need the money and that it would put cricketers’ lives in danger, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was the latest to share his views on the topic.

Taking a jibe at Akhtar, Gavaskar said, “There are more chances of snowfall in Lahore than bilateral series between India and Pakistan. Both teams will keep on meeting in World Cups and ICC tournaments, but a series between them seems unlikely right now,” Gavaskar said.

In his response, Akhtar posted a tweet which had an image of snowfall from Lahore last year. “Well Sunny bhai, we did have a snowfall in Lahore last year  🙂 So nothing is impossible,” Akhtar tweeted.

Earlier, reacting to Kapil’s statement, Akhtar told Aaj Tak that while India might not need money, everybody else did which is why he had come up with the suggestion.

“I don’t think Kapil bhai understood what I was trying to say. Everyone is going to be trapped economically. This is the time to put our heads together and generate revenues. “The global audience would be hooked by a match. Kapil said he doesn’t need the money and he surely doesn’t. But everyone else does. I think this suggestion will come into consideration soon,” he added.

Despite their several efforts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been unable to convince the Indian government to resume the cricketing ties between the two countries.

About the author

Vipin Darwade