XtraTime Web Desk: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar set the Eden Gardens on fire on this day in 2008. The Rawalpindi Express couldn’t have asked for a fairytale debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), clinching four wickets for 11 runs to help Kolkata Knight Riders secure a 23 runs win over Delhi Daredevils. His bowling figures that night read 3-0-11-4.
Shoaib’s participation in the inaugural edition of the IPL was in serious doubts following a five year ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He was banned for violating the players’ code of conduct. But a timely intervention by Pakistan Prime Minister Asif Ali Zardari, allowed him to travel to India in time to play the clash against Delhi at the Eden Gardens.
“I still believe the ban was a grave injustice on me by the PCB Chairman. It was due to the ban my contract in IPL got jeopardized. I decided to file a case in the court. But our Prime Minister Asif Ali Zardari intervened and cleared my trip to India,” said Shoaib in his You Tube channel.
He still remembered the rousing reception he got from the Eden Gardens crowd.
#OnThisDay in 2008, ⚡⚡⚡⚡ struck Delhi Daredevils in #Kolkata!
Can you name the bowler who wrecked DD with 🔥 figures of 4/11 in 3 overs to earn this vintage Golden #Knight-Helmet MoM trophy from @iamsrk?#KorboLorboJeetbo #KKR #Cricket #IPL #KKRvsDD #KolkataKnightRiders pic.twitter.com/orDbs9x1sA
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 13, 2020
In the words of Shoaib, “When I entered the ground, I was greeted to a loud cheer by the packed crowds. The same crowds were against me when I represented Pakistan. But this time I got a rousing reception. They just loved me and welcomed me”
He also shared how KKR captain Sourav Ganguly fought for him to be in the side.
“During the team meeting Sourav said to John Buchanan (KKR coach) that he would want me to play even if I was half fit. Buchanan was not willing to pick me but he (Sourav) fought for me,” said Shoaib.
Defending a below par target of 134 against Delhi Daredevils at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the hosts required something special from the speedster to justify his $425,000 price tag and he did it with flying colours.
Leading the KKR’s attack it took Akhtar just two deliveries to pick his first IPL wicket. Virender Sehwag was the man to be dismissed after being left guessing as he edged the ball straight into the gloves of Wriddihiman Saha. Soon to follow was Gautam Gambhir as he was removed by the former Pakistani pacer in his second over. What followed next was a disaster for the visitors as Akhtar struck twice in consecutive deliveries to remove AB de Villiers and Manoj Tiwary to help KKR gain full control of the proceedings.
Akhtar missed out on a hattrick but his dream debut in IPL still counts as one of the best show in the history of the cash rich league.
Recollecting the memories from the clash, the Rawalpindi Express stated that his performance on that day made Shahrukh Khan, co-owner of the KKR franchise mad and it felt like he had won the World Cup.
“When I took 4 wickets, everyone went mad. Even Shah Rukh was running all over the ground, he went mad and was delirious. I thought did I win the world cup, such was the frenzy all around. Shah Rukh said you have won a very big match for us,” said Akhtar.
The Kolkata franchise on Wednesday posted a picture of the signed golden helmet presented to Shoaib by team owner Shah Rukh Khan after the match.