Saqlain shares a very healthy rapport with Kumble.
The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is undoubtedly one of the biggest in the world of sports. It's become the battle of nerves whenever these two South Asian arch-rivals lock horns with each other on the cricket field.
Rivalry aside, there is also the mutual respect, camaraderie and admiration among the star players of both the countries.
On Sunday (April 12), former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq revealed how the legendary Anil Kumble helped him immensely in his career.
WATCH- Saqlain Mushtaq reveals how Sourav Ganguly won his heart back in 2005-06
“We were in England and I told Anil bhai that there are not many good opticians back home, so I am struggling and if he could suggest some ophthalmologists. So, he suggested that I go to Dr. Bharat Rugani. Even he said that he and [Sourav] Ganguly consult him often. He gave me the [contact] number of the doctor and I visited him in Harley Street (in London),” Saqlain said in an Instagram live with Sportstar.
“The doctor checked my eyes and gave me lenses. I had cataract, the vision power was cylindrical and also the eyes were weak. I had consulted many doctors in Pakistan and none could treat it. So, it was Anil bhai who would help me get in touch with the doctor. It was because of him that I could recover. He is a gem of a person,” he added.
Before receiving the treatment, Saqlain was struggling with his vision.
“If I [stood] in the boundary while fielding, my anticipation power was zero. That’s why I would be slow and would react late. Now, I can see everything clearly,” he said.
“Our culture has taught us to respect elders and Anil bhai is just like my elder brother. Whenever we meet, we have good chats. Even during playing days, you could walk up to him and seek suggestions in middle of a series. He would help you with necessary tips and would never misguide it. I have a lot of respect for him,” the 43-year-old further said about Kumble.
Saqlain also recalled how the entire Pakistan dressing room was in awe of Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in a Test match.
Kumble’s achievement came against Pakistan back in 1999 during the second Test at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. As of today, he is only the second bowler to accomplish this feat alongside England’s Jim Laker. His 10/74 in 26.3 overs led India to its biggest Test victory against Pakistan, a remarkable 212-run win to level the iconic series 1-1.
Saqlain rued that he never got a chance to play together with the Indian spin legend.
“We have played against each other, but never together. I wish I could play at least one match, where both of us could have been in the same team,” he said. “I have played together with Muttiah Muralitharan in MCL league matches, and it was super fun. I hope someday we can perhaps play in some veterans’ match where Anil bhai and I will be in the same team.”
India and Pakistan have not played a full-fledged bilateral series since 2007 and Saqlain wants it to resume as soon as possible.
“I recently read two articles about having India-Pakistan charity match to raise funds for COVID-19. While Shoaib (Akhtar) batted for it, Kapil (Dev) paaji had a different view. Well, at this time, we all are same. Patriotism is essential but we are human at the basic level,” he said.
“Why just this charity match? All cricket, trade equations between India and Pakistan should resume. This pandemic has taught that we are humans, who feel things the same way on either side - be it India or Pakistan. We should renew our relationships, and should develop a strong equation with everyone and be united. That’s the need of the hour,” he concluded.