Pakistan's enigmatic fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and flamboyant all-rounder
Shahid Afridi have turned down million-dollar offers to play in the rebel
Indian Cricket League (ICL).
Shoaib said hours after clearing a dope test that he was made a good offer from
the ICL organizers but he considered playing for his country a far bigger honour.
"I got an offer but for me playing for Pakistan is more important. We
have some important assignments coming up soon and I want to play a big role
for the team," Shoaib said.
Shoaib, who is coming back from a spate of fitness problems having played just
one test and four one-dayers in the last 15-months, said he had thought over
the offer but then signed the central contract offered to him by the Pakistan
board because nothing was more tempting than representing your country.
"I can play for two to three years for my country which needs me and I
don't want to sacrifice those years," he added.
Afridi also followed the example of his teammate in rejecting the rebel league
offer.
"It was good and tempting but I see a strong future for myself in the
Pakistan team. I don't want to let my fans down," said Afridi.
Afridi claimed he was made a Rs. 90 million offer made to him by ICL organisers
and earlier had said he would take time to decide on the matter.
Earlier Mohammad Asif had also rejected a Rs. 100 million offer from
the ICL.
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