Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

[westdog54]

As I type this, the Rawalpindi Express has sent Eden Gardens into party mode.

Playing in his first IPL match for the Kolkata Knight Riders, after a torrid time of late, Shoaib Akthar has just completed his 3rd over, the 5th of the Delhi Daredevils innings.

He has 4 wickets for 11 runs, and the Delhi Daredevils are languishing at 4/36 chasing 134.

At one point he was on a Hat-Trick.

I never thought I'd hear an Eden Gardens crowd in such raptures for a Pakistani.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

What happened to his 5 year suspension for slagging off the Pakistani administrators?

[westdog54]

Re: Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

What happened to his 5 year suspension for slagging off the Pakistani administrators?

The Ban extends to all cricket played for and in Pakistan. The PCB recently suspended his 5 year ban for a month to allow him to compete in the IPL.

Its the latest in a series of to-ing and fro-ing, lawsuits and outbursts between Shoaib and the PCB.

[ledge]

Re: Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

So its not in Pakistan and its not for Pakistan why did they have to lift a ban that doesnt fall into either of those?

[LostDoggy]

Re: Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

I saw the highlights on the news and it looked special.
Would never have thought Shoaib would have got reaction in India. Just shows how much they love the game there.

[westdog54]

Re: Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

So its not in Pakistan and its not for Pakistan why did they have to lift a ban that doesnt fall into either of those?

Not entirely sure, but he's played now and I suppose that's that.

[westdog54]

Re: Shoaib Akhtar is back, in a big big way.

I saw the highlights on the news and it looked special.
Would never have thought Shoaib would have got reaction in India. Just shows how much they love the game there.

His reaction when he got Tiwary LBW to get himself on a hat-trick was just priceless. Caught somewhere between sheer joy, utter disbelief and absolute euphoria.

Completely agree about the crowd reaction too Ernie. If anything it shows that, in India at least, the fans are getting behind the teams and not the players, if you know what I mean. If Shoaib Akhtar can get a packed Eden Gardens on its feet then I reckon the IPL might be here to stay.