May 06, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 29, 1429

NEW DELHI, May 5: Minutes after landing in the Indian capital on Monday, controversial Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was looking forward to a fruitful stint in the Indian Premier League and thanked Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for his support.

“I am happy to be in India. I am looking forward to play in the IPL and play my role for my team,” said Shoaib, who landed at around 4.00pm at the Indira Gandhi International Airport from Lahore and was mobbed by reporters and shutterbugs to cause a melee of sorts.

“I am grateful to the people of India for embracing me, especially [team owner] Shah Rukh Khan who supported me. Eden Gardens is like my home ground. I am looking ahead to be there soon,” added Shoaib.

The speedster is free to play for Shah Rukh-owned Kolkata Knight Riders after the Pakistan Cricket Board temporarily suspended his five-year ban.

Shoaib, who was scheduled to leave for Kolkata in the evening, admitted he would have to train hard and acclimatize with the conditions though he had visited the country late last year.

“I have not played cricket for four months. I have to acclimatize with the conditions and train hard. I want to do my bit for my team,” he said.

The 32-year-old, dubbed as Rawalpindi Express, refused to talk about his appeal pending before an appellate tribunal in Lahore. “I don’t want to talk about the case, it is pending before a tribunal.”—Agencies