NEWS
OTHER SPORTS
DIARY
PEOPLE
MATCH REPORTS
SLIDE SHOW
ARCHIVES

'We are not out for revenge, we are here to play cricket'

Saisuresh Sivaswamy in Madras

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who led his team to a stupendous victory on Sunday, says there is no sense of revenge exacted in him or his players. He was referring to the shock defeat his country suffered at India's hands in the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal in Bangalore.

"We are not out for revenge, we are here to play cricket," he told a crowded media conference in Madras soon after his team fought back to dismiss India 12 runs short of the victory target. But at the same time he was honest to admit that it was the "greatest" moment in his Test career.

"We came here determined to do well, hungry for a win you can say, and the boys have made me proud, they have made Pakistan proud."

The difference, he said, was that no one in his team gave up hope, even during the marathon partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Nayan Mongia that virtually took the match away from them.

On Tendulkar's innings, Akram was ecstatic. "It was a masterpiece, and today's innings proved that he is the best batsman in the world. Of course, I also thank him for that shot he played to give me a catch."

On his own groin pain, which almost made him skip the day's play but for his steely determination, Akram said he did not want his absence to affect his players. "I had to be on the field today, and I took around 6 Brufens since the morning to control the pain."

Memories of the Bangalore match against India, when he couldn't take the field, were obviously fresh in his mind and played a part in deciding to lead his team from the front.

On the impact of the win against India on his team, Akram said it would do confidence levels a world of good. "But it is not going to help me prolong my career, if that is what you mean, that depends only on my body."

On the crowds in Madras, Akram was more than happy. "We had a bad year cricket-wise, and then we came here. The warmth that we were shown here by the crowds, which cheered us whenever we played well, was terrific, and I would like to thank the Indians for their support."