Pakistani duo of Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar forced to leave India due to security issues

The legendary Wasim Akram is a widely respected cricket analyst with Star

In a shameful development, the threats issued by Shiv Sena have resulted in Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar returning to Pakistan. ESPNCricinfo reported that the former Pakistani fast bowlers, who are currently in India as part of the commentary team for Star, will leave the country ahead of the 5th ODI between India and South Africa in Mumbai.

Akram’s agent and PR manager Arsalan Hyder confirmed the unfortunate occurrence through his Twitter account. The 49-year old’s stellar achievements transcend nationalities and both Akram and Akhtar are adored by the cricket aficionados in India for their sharp views on the sport.

Their withdrawal is a preventive measure which follows the International Cricket Council’s decision to extract veteran umpire Aleem Dar from officiating in the aforementioned encounter at the Wankhede stadium.

The ICC had stated, “Under the present circumstances, it will be unreasonable to expect from Aleem that he will be able to perform his duties to the best of his abilities. As such, he has been withdrawn and his replacement will be announced in due course.”

Earlier yesterday, the right-wing regional party had barged into BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai and impeded a scheduled meeting regarding deliberations on the resumption of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan. A mob comprising of more than fifty Shiv Sena members openly resorted to hooliganism and objected to the proposed series between the arch-rivals.

When queried on the sequence of untoward incidents, BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur condemned, "There was a possibility of a protest in Saurashtra too where more than 50000 spectators attended. What is the threat and what is the perception, I can't get into it. India has to host the World Twenty20 in 2016. So, it is the responsibility of every Indian to maintain the image that we have of appreciating and enjoying performances of even the opponents. Political issues should be kept aside.”

- Wasim Akram & Shoaib Akhtar will not be commentating in the last ODI between #IndvsSA on account of potential security hazard #Cricket

— Arsalan Hyder (@arsalanhshah) October 19, 2015

Shiv Sena must be gloating over the headlines they have made recently, clue less to the damage they have done to their political capital.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 20, 2015

I have had the privilege of knowing @wasimakramlive very well. I wish people could see the enormous love & respect he has received in India

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 19, 2015