I’ll be paid to enjoy jokes, says Shoaib Akhtar

Ace Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, better known as Rawalpindi Express, will soon be seen judging the upcoming comedy show Indian Mazak League along with Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. Shoaib, who has made a mark as a commentator is known for his razor sharp wit and a funny bone. Hence it is needless to say the cricketer’s presence will add a whole new dimension to the show. Talking about his new role as a judge, an excited Shoaib says, “I am a fun loving person. More than being a judge, I am happy to be part of a grand show like the Indian Mazak League. I am sure with the kind of talent we have on the show it will be loads of fun. I will actually be paid to enjoy the jokes. I don’t think there can be a better job than this in the whole world.”

Ask him about fellow judge Harbhajan and the cricketer says, tongue firmly in cheek, “Harbhajan and I have had some interesting battles on the cricket field. He is a good competitor and now we will be a team on the comedy show. This will be different and fun. I am looking forward to the collaboration and I hope we can do justice to the job that is given to us.” We ask him to list some of the funniest cricketers he knows and pat comes the reply, “I have played and interacted with some real fun-loving people. Take it from me, Pakistan’s dressing room was and is the best for a cricketer. There is so much banter, harmless leg-pulling, one-liners in the Pakistan team that my jaws use to ache due to all the laughing. It was fun to be with guys like Mohammed Yusuf, Shoaib Malik. Even seniors like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul Haq were unbelievably funny. I still can’t get over the mimicry acts of Shoaib; that man is on another level. In fact, you will see most Punjabis have wit and gift of the gab — whether from Indian Punjab or Pakistani Punjab. In the Indian team, I have had some memorable fun time with guys like Ashish Nehra, Yuvraj Singh and lately Virender Sehwag although Sehwag is not from Punjab.”