Mohammed Shami took my advice, Pakistan pacers didn't: Shoaib Akhtar

Islamabad : Pakistan's legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar showered praise on the Indian pacer Mohammed Shami after he claimed a five-wicket haul against South Africa; he was also disheartened over the fact that his advice was not taken by the pacers of his own country.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar claimed that Mohammed Shami had called him for the advice after India's World Cup exit in the semi-finals in the United Kingdom; however, he was disappointed by the Pakistani bowlers who did not ask for any suggestion from him.

"After India's World Cup disappointment, Shami called me up and said he was feeling sad that he could not do well for India. I told him not to lose heart but to maintain his fitness," Akhtar said.

"I told him that I want him to become an out and out fast bowler, he has a reverse swing, which is a luxury in the sub-continent, I told him you can become king of reverse swing," he added.