On Friday, during the release of the book by the Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket hero remarked that a measure of the tension that exists during Indo-Pak cricketing encounters. 

Tendulkar recalled the reaction the Indian team got after it returned having lost a one-day series to Pakistan at the event that marked the launch of Shadow Across the Playing Field. 

He said, “When we went to Pakistan to play one-dayers’ and we lost. When we came back home - as we lost with Pakistan - everyone was looking at us as if we were criminals. People only talk about highs and lows on the field. These experiences teach you a lot. They help you to lead a balance life”. 

Sachin also showed the positive side of the reactions. He recalled, “We beat Pakistan 4-1 and the reception we got in Delhi was incredible. About 5000-7000 fans were there to receive us at the airport at two in the morning. They threw garlands and roses at us. We were treated like kings”, says Tendulkar referring to the 1997 ODI series in Canada. 

Tendulkar remembered his first test match and told, “The pressure started from the first ball. I had blinkers in my eyes. Wasim and Waqr charging in. First ball was of Wasim, it was bouncer. I thought the next ball will be yorker but second was bouncer, I expected the third one to be a yorker but again it was a bouncer. Fourth one was a bouncer too. I then told myself welcome to Test cricket." 

India and Pakistan would be seen facing off on field again provided Pakistan agrees to take action against anti-India forces and clamp down on terror and related activities, hopes Tharoor. 

Tharoor said, “We will be playing once again provided certain things happen in bilateral relationship, some more progress in action is needed from Pakistan. The issue is to create right environment and it needs to be done. The PM has signaled very clearly that India is ready to do everything, what happened on 26/11 in India is not dealt effectively in Pakistan”.

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 11 August, 2009 2:40:35 PM IST #