If not for them, the person “wouldn’t have become a star” – Shoaib Akhtar on his friendships with Salman and Sharukh Khan

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has spoken up about his friendship with Salman Khan and Sharukh Khan of the Bollywood. The illustrious cricketer said he could only have gotten famous due of the influence of both stars.

The 48-year-old admitted that he used to mimic both Indian actors’ fashion sense. He also got to meet them both and was a member of Shahrukh Khan’s co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), an IPL team.

Although I also admire Shahrukh, Salman Khan has always been my fave. Actually, I owe them both a debt of gratitude because if they had never entered my life, I never would have achieved stardom. Salman and Shahrukh were two actors I frequently copied. In a video posted to the YouTube channel “Wake up with Sorabh,” Akhtar claimed, “I used to emulate Waqar Younis’ run-up as well as Wasim Akram.

He went on to discuss how close he was to the renowned Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

“Being friends with Sachin was a big blessing for me. I had a great relationship with him. The perception that we are adversaries is false. I was friendly with everyone, but especially with Afridi, Saqlain, and Ajju (Azhar Mahmood). I was also the mischievous one during the fielding practises, but in a pleasant way. I used to mimic and imitate everybody. I didn’t get into many fights,” he remarked.

I’ve always desired for India to adore me as much as Pakistan does. Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar continued by saying he has always wanted India to regard him with the same respect as Pakistan does. The 48-year-old continued by expressing his wish for closer connections between the two countries.

“I have always desired that India love me as much as Pakistan does. I thought about it occasionally. I always give the area some thought. I always speak rationally because I want to see trade between the two nations open up and things return to normal. Some claim that the only reason I upload YouTube videos is to get money and gain support from India. I haven’t produced a video in a while, though,” he added.