ID :
34021
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 09:42
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/34021
The shortlink copeid
Mumbai terror strikes poured frustration on us: Pathan
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) The Indian cricket team felt helpless and its frustration grew more and more after watching on Television the worst-ever terror attack in Mumbai last week, disclosed pace bowler Irfan Pathan, who was filled with a cocktail of emotions including hurt and anger.
"We were all very excited after our ODI win over England
in Cuttack. We usually listen the interviews of Man of the
match and others on TV so that we can pull their leg but
channels started flashing the terror attack and we kept glued
to our seats till the morning. Everyone was hurt," Pathan said
recalling the horror of 26/ll.
"The whole India was angry and so was I for what happened
there (in Mumbai). Whatever happened there was shameful.
"We asked ourselves why can't we do anything, our
frustration grew bigger and bigger as we watched the action on
TV," he said.
Pathan, who was here to promote Tata Teleservices of
which he is the brand ambassador, said the team was planning
to do some charity for those suffered in the tragedy.
"Maybe, we will do some charity," he said.
Asked if he had demanded extra safety cover, which a few
of his teammates enjoy, he said it was now required by every
Indian citizen.
"Not only cricketers but whole India needs special
security at the moment," he said and urged celebrities
from all walks of life to cooperate with the security
personnel at public places.
"We should leave our comfort level and cooperate with the
security agencies in places like this hotel (Taj Mansingh)
because life is most important," Pathan said.
Pathan when querried if being a Muslim he felt scared to
take the field in the backdrop of Mumbai terror attacks, he
said, "Religion has nothing to do with terrorism. No religion
preaches killing or unrest. It (terrorism) is wrong. And no,
I am not scared to take the field despite whatever happened."
On his views about the fate of sports in the
sub-continent, Pathan felt human life was too precious to put
at risk in volatile situations.
"No loss can be bigger than life, monetary or other
losses are temporary," he added.
About the upcoming two-Test series against England, he
said the Indians, who won the ODI series 5-0, would like to
clean sweep it as well.
"We are doing well at present. Let me put it this way:
the marathon run is still on for a win," he said.
On touring Pakistan next year, Pathan said there was no
point in giving his opinion as the decision would be taken by
the governments of the two countries.
His elder brother, all rounder Yusuf Pathan, who also
joined him as the brand ambassador to the company, said on
field they were first players and then brothers.
"We are first teammates and then brothers when on field.
We are playing cricket for the country and not for family," he
said. PTI SKI
"We were all very excited after our ODI win over England
in Cuttack. We usually listen the interviews of Man of the
match and others on TV so that we can pull their leg but
channels started flashing the terror attack and we kept glued
to our seats till the morning. Everyone was hurt," Pathan said
recalling the horror of 26/ll.
"The whole India was angry and so was I for what happened
there (in Mumbai). Whatever happened there was shameful.
"We asked ourselves why can't we do anything, our
frustration grew bigger and bigger as we watched the action on
TV," he said.
Pathan, who was here to promote Tata Teleservices of
which he is the brand ambassador, said the team was planning
to do some charity for those suffered in the tragedy.
"Maybe, we will do some charity," he said.
Asked if he had demanded extra safety cover, which a few
of his teammates enjoy, he said it was now required by every
Indian citizen.
"Not only cricketers but whole India needs special
security at the moment," he said and urged celebrities
from all walks of life to cooperate with the security
personnel at public places.
"We should leave our comfort level and cooperate with the
security agencies in places like this hotel (Taj Mansingh)
because life is most important," Pathan said.
Pathan when querried if being a Muslim he felt scared to
take the field in the backdrop of Mumbai terror attacks, he
said, "Religion has nothing to do with terrorism. No religion
preaches killing or unrest. It (terrorism) is wrong. And no,
I am not scared to take the field despite whatever happened."
On his views about the fate of sports in the
sub-continent, Pathan felt human life was too precious to put
at risk in volatile situations.
"No loss can be bigger than life, monetary or other
losses are temporary," he added.
About the upcoming two-Test series against England, he
said the Indians, who won the ODI series 5-0, would like to
clean sweep it as well.
"We are doing well at present. Let me put it this way:
the marathon run is still on for a win," he said.
On touring Pakistan next year, Pathan said there was no
point in giving his opinion as the decision would be taken by
the governments of the two countries.
His elder brother, all rounder Yusuf Pathan, who also
joined him as the brand ambassador to the company, said on
field they were first players and then brothers.
"We are first teammates and then brothers when on field.
We are playing cricket for the country and not for family," he
said. PTI SKI
