As I lie back on the sofa set watching news channels, even today, they have something to talk about on Akhtar’s autobiography. Everyday, there are reactions and revelations related to a cricketer who himself has never been shy of controversies. The book has been controversially famous too due to the number of things that he has written in his book. Let me concentrate on 3 things that has attracted my attention for the past few days such as Tendulkar’s silence, Akhtar calling Tendulkar scared, and the condition of Pakistan cricket.

When a player like Sachin Tendulkar is criticised, the whole world sits up and takes notice. Akhtar’s criticism has at least been able to acquire the world’s attention. Tendulkar being the respectful player he is, did not make a hue and cry about Akhtar’s comment on him. He just said that, it is below his dignity to react to Akhtar’s comment after it was reported by The Times of India. It is not only because of his cricketing skills that he has earned respect from people all around the world, but also due to his down to earth attitude that has placed him as one of the greatest players of all time, who has ever played the game. There's not much in his track record to suggest that Tendulkar was directly involved in any controversy in his career. He has always remained away from it. So, when Akhtar says that Tendulkar is scared of him, many cricketers around the world supported Sachin as his record does all the talking.

But, a question has been playing in my mind, is it bad to get afraid? No, definitely not, Just look at ourselves, when we were growing up were we not afraid of our parents? Yes, we did because it was the respect that we showed to our parents. In the same way, Tendulkar was showing respect to a bowler who had showed lots of promise in its initial phase. To give some credit to Akhtar, he had burst into the international scene with his incredible pace, but could not last for long. It is also understandable to be afraid too, when one has to face chin music at Akhtar’s pace. But, in the end what matters is who had the last laugh. I guess, Sachin is still laughing.

If we look at the other side of the coin, we can also say that Tendulkar was afraid of him, and this kept him on his toes, whenever he played against him. His concentration level must be high; hence he must have come with some great innings when played against Akhtar. One match that would not be erased from our memories is the 2003 World Cup in South Africa where Sachin tore apart Akhtar by attacking him. His six over third man fence was one of the best shots of the tournament. Had he been complacent or over-confident, he would not have been able to achieve, what he has achieved till date.

Akhtar has not even spared his own country, Pakistan, which gave him his bread and butter. He has talked about the feud, which used to take place inside the dressing room. He has written about the tension that was created when the two premier bowlers of Pakistan, Wasim and Waqar, were involved in a dressing room dispute. He has not shown these players in good light too. He has even shown Wasim in bad light stating that Wasim had threatened the team that he would quit if Shoaib Akhtar played. It is very ironical, when such great players are shown in such manner, as it would not do their brand name a favour. The administrators have also taken a beating in his book as he said that there is no respect for cricketers in Pakistan, and the same cricketers are respected by local people on the street, as reported by dna.india.com. Whatever be the case, his autobiography is sure to do well, with so many secrets revealed.