Butt terms Akhtar's claims as “bullshit”

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has hit back at Shoaib Akhtar's claims in his autobiography, terming them as “bullshit” and threatening legal action.

The book “Controversially Yours”, according to Butt could hamper the renewal of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan.

Butt also criticized Akhtar for launching his book in India and seeking “cheap publicity” by taking shots at Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

“We are trying so hard to bridge the gap with India. In these times such bullshit is totally uncalled for,” said Butt adding that the retired bowler may face legal action upon his return to Pakistan.

”He ( Shoaib Akhtar) is talking nonsense and should be rebuffed by the people of India. We will give an official statement, on Saturday, saying everything that he has said in his book is bullshit. There is not an iota of truth in it. He has caused us enough trouble as a player and the misery continues even now,” Butt told TOI.

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butseriouslyok

Sep 24, 2011 04:55pm

Writing from India. Mr. Butt do not take this seriously. We in India understand the need for controversy in books...it helps the sales and even so let Shoaib speak his mind. We as nations have matured from colonial times and should stop taking offence at each provocation from either side of the border.

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Vin

Sep 24, 2011 06:39pm

I (an Indian, Hindu, and resident of U.S. for a long time) in a way feel sorry for Shoaibbhai. There will not be another book by him and for all the practical purposes, this is his last stab at lucrative, cheap publicity. I want to rather remember him for the times when he was at his best.

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Sid

Sep 24, 2011 07:18pm

Dear Mr Butt, We know what kind of moron Shoaib is... Despite the news channels talking about the book, no one gives much importance to this guy. We have great respect for Wasim. Sid

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Afzal Mir

Sep 24, 2011 08:45pm

Shoaib Akhtar was always a problem player. Its a relief to know that he will not be part of Pakistan cricket any more. At the same time he can not be stopped to express opinions about other people no matter how controvercial those opinions might be. It is important to mention here that Mr. Butt brought way more embarrassment and shame to Pakistan cricket than Shoaib Akhtar.

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Hamza

Sep 24, 2011 11:45pm

First time Butt said something relevant. Butt please resign!

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Mohammad Ayaz

Sep 25, 2011 01:27am

I think there is nothing wrong with publishing autobiography in India or in any part of the world. Those, criticizing Shoab for writing such stuff are actually intolerant to read the facts. They, in fact wasted and destroyed world fastest bowler by delaying his debut and then torching him time and again. Actually problem lies in PCB since its establishment, and has failed to manage players or do something good for the players. All the times, its involved in money making and favoritism...it has no will/no plans for the improvement and development of cricket in Pakistan. Thanks

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Amit Sharma

Sep 25, 2011 08:50am

Mr.Butt needs to learn how to take on allegations and criticism. Whatever Shoaib said could be untrue and not entirely. The way Pakistan cricket has plunged in last 10 years is pathetic and sad. Political situation was no doubt non-conducive but PCB did nothing to make things better. Mr Butt instead of just rebutting Shoiab please have little introspection. Especially on points where Shoiab has told how bad PCB treats its present and retired players. How badly they are paid? How insecure they are about their future when playing for Pakistan? Please Mr. Butt, Please listen to saner voices at least. Not only India but all cricketing world is eagerly waiting to see that same old strong and ferocious team called Pakistan. Please do not let it die.

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Yawar

Sep 25, 2011 09:27am

Shoaib played a lot more cricket for Pakistan than he deserves. Sure he was a great bowler, but such individuals have a negative effect on their teams. All they talk about is "I this" and "I that" and dont respect their team mates of their opposition. I am saying this from experience of captaining several teams in Pakistan and in the USA. Such players exist in other countries too. The only difference is that they get booted out before they have a chance to adversely affect the team or create too many controversies.

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Ayat Ullah

Sep 25, 2011 10:41am

For God's sake someone should stop Butt for talking without thinking. what he did for PCB, is not the proper question to ask, rather what he did not do to destroy the cricket in Pakistan. The strangest thing is that he talks rubbish and the media reports that.

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Sep 25, 2011 11:06am

Butt always have "legal threat" in his hands. :) anyone try to think against him or his decision will face his wrath. when players (like wasim, sachin etc) don't have much problem, why he's threatening shoaib?

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sandesh

Sep 25, 2011 12:26pm

Since butt is a law abiding citizen maybe that's why he talks about legal action :)

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Faisal Khan

Sep 25, 2011 01:08pm

I think a writer has a right to his opinion, if you dont like it dont buy the book, and dont pay too much attention to the matter. The reason BUTT got ired is because AKhtar mentioned PCB's involvement in Match-fixing,

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Sajid

Sep 25, 2011 01:55pm

I don't know why Butt has to act like a dictator. Free of Speech is something. Butt Sahib ! Go get a life..

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Misbah

Sep 25, 2011 03:03pm

Well. Mr Butt, i think you have made enough money as director so now you should pack your bags and go ... for shoaib, we he is blow his own trumpet. After all TALI DONO HATHON SE BAJTI HAI ... Neither of them is innocent.

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Amit

Sep 25, 2011 04:09pm

please give some time. Shoaib was not a kind of bowler who will be remembered for long and then what he does and what not will not be noticed.

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Asad Khan

Sep 26, 2011 02:56am

It is amazing that Butt has survived in spite of so much controversy. The biggest gripe against Shoaib was his personal life. He provided rare thrills to the game lovers.

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Pandharnath

Sep 26, 2011 11:00am

This is not new for Sachin & Wasim bhai as Much more Players after retirement to earn money use their names for publicity.

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