‘If Pathans and Bengalis can channelise their extremism positively they can become world’s best’ - Shoaib Akhtar reacts to Afghanistan’s series win

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has congratulated Afghanistan after they defeated Pakistan in the T20I series for the first time. Afghanistan beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the second T20I and have clinched the three-match series 2-0. Meanwhile, the third and final T20I will be played on Monday, March 27 in Sharjah. 

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said that Pathans and Bengalis have extremism. He also said that if they can channelise their extremism positively they can become the world's best side. He also said that he felt happy that Afghanistan won the series. 

“I am very happy. If Pathans and Bengalis channelise their energy, they can become world’s leading communities. Because both have extremism in them. If extremism can be channelised positively, with maturity, they can become world’s best. I am very happy that our Pathan brothers have won,” Akhtar said.

The Rawalpindi Express lauded Afghanistan, stating they are a formidable team. He also praised the team’s spinners and mentioned Mohammad Nabi’s bowling skill in the first two T20Is. He further said that Afghanistan will shine in the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held in India later this year.

“Afghanistan is a formidable side. Their spinners are great. Mohammad Nabi bowled well. All their spinners are mysterious. With these mystery spinners, Afghanistan is going to be one of the best teams in the World Cup to be held in India,” Akhtar mentioned. 

Shoaib Akhtar also had a word of advice for Pakistan’s stand-in skipper Shadab Khan. The former cricketer urged the Shadab-led side to give a tough fight to the hosts. He also said that Afghanistan played some tough cricket which helped them to beat Pakistan for the first time in international cricket.

“Make a strong comeback. Make sure you give tough competition to Afghanistan. It might seem difficult but Afghanistan have played some tough cricket. It’s nice to see them win against Pakistan for first time – and it make me happy that they did it with playing matured cricket. Afghanistan needs good news all the time. I get a lot of phone calls from Afghanistan friends. I want to come to Kabul,” Akhtar added.

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