Stop begging, Shoaib urges PCB

Created On: 13 Sept 2013 1:30 PM IST

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar says instead of running after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for normalising cricket ties, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should focus on converting the national team into a world class side. New Delhi on Wednesday ejected visa applications of all players who were to represent Faisalabad Wolves, which was to play in the. Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

Karachi (PTI): Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar says instead of running after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for normalising cricket ties, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should focus on converting the national team into a world class side. New Delhi on Wednesday ejected visa applications of all players who were to represent Faisalabad Wolves, which was to play in the. Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

"I am not surprised that the Indians have not issued visas to the. Faisalabad Wolves team for the Champions League. The fact is that until and unless we have normal and friendly relations at the government to government level why do we expect the Indian cricket board to be supportive.

The outspoken fast bowler said that BCCI simply followed the policy of its government when it came to Pakistan. "We should have never expected them to issue visas for the Faisalabad team. When they first invited us, we should have taken a bold ‘thank you’ stance," he told a TV channel. He said that Indian cricket had progressed not because of the IPL but because of just one man- Mahendra Singh Dhoni.