IndiaPost.com - I was approached by bookies in India, SAfrica: Akhtar

KARACHI: In a sensational revelation, banned Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar said he was approached by match fixers during tours of India and South Africa but insisted that he never took up their offer of under-performing for money.

"I have rejected many offers to under-perform. It happened in Johannesburg and India but I never accepted them as I can't betray my country," Akhtar said in a interview to Geo TV. "And what do I get in return a five year ban the example of which you don't get anywhere in the cricket world.

Even players who were fined and found involved in match fixing issues didn't get such bans," a bitter Akhtar, who was handed the ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board for indiscipline, added. The controversial fast bowler, who will play for the Kolkata team in Indian Premier League, said he had been signed up on the insistence of former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly.

"If I had been so undisciplined and had an attitude problem as the Pakistan board claims do you think that Shahrukh Khan or Ganguly would want me to play for their team in the IPL," he stated. Shoaib also said that he got a million dollar offer from the rebel Indian Cricket League but didn't accept because the board wanted him to play in the Indian Premier League.

"I could have gone to the ICL right away but I didn't because I love my country and I can't think about not playing for the national team," he said. MUMBAI: Strongly supporting Pakistani tearaway bowler Shoaib Akhtar who was debarred from taking part in cash-rich Indian Premier League, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan has said he would ask the Indian Cricket Board to review the decision.

Khan's support comes in the wake of BCCI's decision to disallow Shoaib from playing in the IPL tournament in view of Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to ban him for five years. "I will talk to Lalit Modi to reconsider the decision," said Shahrukh, who is owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team, for which Shoaib has been roped in to play.

He said the charges against the fast bowler are not so serious that his presence could create a negative impression in the minds of young crickters. "It is a ban related to his behavior and I hope things get sorted out in our favor," Shahrukh said.