Srinagar: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has recalled the time when he stole former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf’s socks during 1999 World Cup in England.
Akhtar, who made his international debut in 1997, was playing in his first-ever World Cup in England in 1999.
“It was my first World Cup and I was keen to make an impression. I was extremely excited as the crowd had come to see me. Both Pakistanis and Indians had gathered at the stadium. I was all pumped up ahead of the game but then suddenly I realized that I had forgotten my socks,” said Akhtar while speaking on SK Tales.
in the match Pakistan were facing West Indies. Batting first, Pakistan posted 229 and then in reply restricted West Indies to 202.
“I secretly went back to the dressing room and wore the socks that I found in Mohammad Yousuf’s bag. Later, Yousuf came in and was wondering where his socks had disappeared,” Akhtar said.
“As the match was about to begin, Yousuf started checking everyone’s socks. When he came towards me, I ran towards my run-up,” he said.
“I explained to him, ‘We are facing the West Indies and this is a World Cup game, so please adjust.’ So, eventually, I went in wearing Yousuf’s socks and someone else’s spikes,” he added.
