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Inzamam-ul-Haq not surprised with Shoaib Akhtar bashing Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh
Inzamam went on to say that Akhtar, who was always strong and muscular, caused pain to others unknowingly.
08 July 2016 • 3:33 PM
Harbhajan Singh had recently revealed that Shoaib Akhtar had bashed him and Yuvraj Singh in a hotel room, and reacting to that former Pakistan skipper and current chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has shown no surprise over Harbhajan’s claim. Inzamam said Akhtar, who was always strong and muscular, caused pain to others unknowingly. “Shoaib was always very muscular and strong. Even hugging him or shaking hands with him could be painful for other players,” former cricketer said. However, despite Akhtar’s aggressive behaviour, he still shares a great bond with Yuvraj and Harbhajan. READ: Shoaib Akhtar: Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh are my younger brothers
The incident took place during India’ tour of Pakistan back in 2004. Shoaib challenged Habhajan to hit him for a six. When the spinner had managed to complete the task it shocked the Pakistani which led to the incident later in the day.
“He then bowled two consecutive bouncers which I evaded. However, after the game, we sat together as if nothing had happened. Shoaib once threatened me he would come to my room and beat me. I told him ‘come, let’s see who beats whom’. I was really scared. He is a great hulk. He once bashed me and Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) inside a room. Since he was heavy, it was difficult to catch him,” Harbhajan narrated the incident.
The Pakistani fast bowler later revealed his version of the story in his autobiography in which he admits to having had a physical tug with the Indian duo, but only in a friendly manner.
“Yes, it did happen during 2004 when we were playing a Test in Rawalpindi, but it was nothing serious and all fun. Basically, we were horsing around and doing some arm wrestling and that is all, but no, Harbhajan and Yuvraj are my younger brothers, there is no question of beating them up. The duo got along well with me and we used to have dinner together. We have been good friends so how can I beat them,” Akhtar said.