Shoaib Akhtar backs Shahid Afridi for all revelations made in Game Changer

Shahid Afridi’s autobiography, Game Changer, written by Wajahat S. Khan made a lot of dirty revelations about the world of power and politics that co-existed in cricket, Pakistani team and otherwise. Those who have been named have reacted unfavorably towards Afridi after the book came out, especially Javed Miandad, who Afridi claimed to hold some unspoken grudge against him.

Calling Miandad a small man, Afridi wrote in his book about the incident when Miandad did not let him practice prior to the match. Recalling the famous 1999 tour of India, in particular, Afridi speaks about the “lows” of the tour, which relates to Pakistan dressing room. He said that everyone in the team knew that Javed Miandad (coach) didn’t want him in the side.

While Miandad himself rebuked all claims made by Afridi, another former star has emerged from the Pakistani cricket team, stating he backs Afridi in all claims he made.

Taking to Twitter, the former speed star Shoaib Akhtar wrote, “Whatever @SAfridiOfficial has written about harsh behavior from seniors, reality was much more than that. He should have said more. Actually he should have said it 20 years ago. If he did at the right time, he wouldn’t have had to write a book today.”

Shoaib Akhtar in an interview also stated that the tussle between Javed Miandad and Afridi was more than what’s been written about as the fast bowler himself heard Miandad cursing and using abusive language with Afridi on multiple occasions.

Afridi was keen to reply Akhtar, stating he followed in his footsteps to write a book.

“Thank you Shoaib. Followed in your footsteps and wrote a book :) Never wanted to hurt any former player. Only trying to state facts,” wrote Afridi in his tweet.