Aakash Chopra: My loyalty is towards fans, not cricket fraternity or media houses

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra is also the author of 'Beyond the Blues: A First-Class Season Like No Other' as well as 'Out of the Blue' © AFP

Mumbai: Aakash Chopra stated that he his loyalty was towards the fans, and not towards the cricket fraternity or the media houses after turning towards a career as in writing. Chopra made the statement during the launch of his book 'The Insider: Decoding The Craft Of Cricket' at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai on Friday. The opening batsman-turned commentator/writer was answering questions thrown to him by eminent cricket journalist Sambit Bal, during which he also said that he was inspired as a writer right from an early age, as well as the fact that he does not have any difficulties on writing on the various aspects of bowlers and what goes on through their mind, given the fact the he has quite a few friends from that discipline.

"It is not. Had I not been a cricketer not these many people would have turned up for my event today. At certain points it does get tricky, there are instances when you might be judged as, "do not forget, even you were a cricketer once doing these mistakes", while I judge the weaknesses of the players.

My loyalty is with the fans, not cricketers or media: @cricketaakash #TheInsider

— CricketCountry (@cricket_country) September 4, 2015

However, all these comments do not stop me. At present, my loyalty is neither towards the cricket fraternity nor the media. All I care about are my fans. I have to be honest to them," Chopra was quoted as saying after being asked for his opinion on the challenges posed by the media to a cricketer-turned-writer.

The 37-year-0ld former batsman, who represented India in 10 Tests between 2003 and 2004, revealed Hindustan Times to be his first employer when it came to serious writing. He also said that he maintained a diary during his childhood in which he maintained pointers from his coaching sessions, as his first stint with writing. READ: Aakash Chopra announces retirement from international cricket

"As a kid I maintained a diary, basically pointers. That included if I heard the coach giving some tips to the other players, I noted that as well. Serious writing began only when HT had offered me a job.

Although, initially writing was not included, I had to just visit them once or twice in 2-3 months. But then I felt it was of no use, I did no justice for being a part of sucha huge media house," Chopra was quoted as saying. READ: Rahane is India's best batsman, says Dravid during Aakash Chopra's book launch