MUMBAI, April 22: A number of Indian children suffering from cancer had a memorable day on Thursday when they played cricket with the world's fastest bowler - Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar.
In Mumbai for a television commercial shoot, Shoaib took time off to send down some overs to dozens of children suffering from cancer at the city's St George Hospital. "It is a lifetime opportunity for these kids that I am here with them," said a visibly-moved Shoaib.
"They will never get a chance to play with me or see me again but I am glad I came here and spent some time with them." Shoaib, who is embroiled in a row over his decision to leave the field in the final Test match between India and Pakistan, refused to comment on the controversy.
"No controversial questions please," said Shoaib, clad in a light-blue T-shirt and jeans, to reporters gathered at the hospital. "I am here to share fun with these kids. I can feel the pain they have which is why I am here to play with them." Shoaib said cancer treatment in Pakistan was a costly affair as there are not many hospitals treating those suffering the disease.
"In India treating cancer is cheaper than in Pakistan. But I am glad that thanks to Imran Khan we now have a beautiful cancer hospital there too," Shoaib said. Imran was the captain of the Pakistan cricket team that won the 1992 World Cup.
Shoaib said the just-ended cricket series between India and Pakistan had gone a long way towards boosting peace between the neighbours. "I know so many Indians who had come to Pakistan to watch the series and did not want to return," said the fast bowler, popularly known as the "Rawalpindi Express".
"I am happy to be known by the name which identifies the city I was born in," he said adding that one day he would like to work with disabled children. -AFP
