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"Now I'll get paid to enjoy jokes," says Shoaib Akhtar as he gears up to judge a comedy show

"Now I'll get paid to enjoy jokes," says Shoaib Akhtar as he gears up to judge a comedy show

He takes the judges podium with former Indian spin bowler Harbhajan Singh
05 Jul, 2016

After facing off on the field, cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh are going to judge a comedy show together.

But the former Pakistani fast bowler insists that this is not a big leap from the game.

"I've had my share of fun in the dressing room with a-joke-a-minute contemporaries like Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik and seniors like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq. My namesake takes mimicry to another level. There was so much banter and harmless leg-pulling that my jaws would ache. Among the Indian cricketers Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh are a riot, as also Virender Sehwag," he said in an interview with Mumbai Mirror.

"Now I will be paid to enjoy the jokes, I don't think there can be a better job," he quipped.

One thing's different from his cricketing days, though: Harbhajan and him are now playing on the same side. This, despite Harbhajan still seeming to hold a grudge about an arm-wrestling bout gone wild.

"Now we will be on the same team and I'm looking forward to that. I hope we can do justice to the job," said Akhtar.

What kind of jokes does Akhtar hope to hear?

"For me humour is something you can take home and laugh out loud reminiscing about a joke or a funny incident when recalling it alone," he explained, saying he doesn't like comedians crossing the line of decency. "I like Akshay Kumar, Javed Jaffery and our own Omar Sharif who are extremely talented. And I've really enjoyed Andaz Apna Apna, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and all Amitabh Bachchan comedies."

Does he fancy himself as an actor in the near future? "It is good to see my fellow countrymen doing Pakistan proud in the Indian film industry. They help spread the message of peace and harmony. As far as I am concerned my priority is my family and my work at the moment. Besides, I don't plan for the future, I take things as they come," he shrugs.

The show, titled Indian Mazak League, will air on Life OK.

Comments

Vivek (Indore) Jul 05, 2016 11:42am
I think Shoaib should apply for Indian citizenship too now. Adnan did it.
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Shopman Jul 05, 2016 01:18pm
I have always admired you Shoaib. You are most welcome to India. All Indians remember you as someone who played the game true to its spirit and more importantly as someone who kept the integrity of his soul when others around you were selling theirs.
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pk Jul 05, 2016 01:20pm
It is really nice to know that Mr. Shoaib Akhtar will appeared in Mazak league. He is now very known face in India. Welcome......
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Abdulla Hussain Jul 05, 2016 02:11pm
"Now I will be paid to enjoy the jokes, I don't think there can be a better job," he quipped" Everything for money, not so good strategy
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Rashid Sultan Jul 05, 2016 02:16pm
Good luck and every success to you Shoaib. You were one of the greatest fast bowler we ever had and now you will do us proud to be our goodwill ambassador, like many of our other artists and citizens to our political neighbor but culturally and humorously our own.
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Prismatic Jul 05, 2016 02:24pm
Shoaib Akhtar a very talented guy,he can fit in any situation. Congrats to him and Harbhajan Singh being working together for Mazak League, making people happy. At least this is far better than a League in Pakistan making people upset.
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Thoroughthinker Jul 05, 2016 03:31pm
Good decision. We must give humanity a chance. Like Shairee, comedy is an art that receives loud and clear appreciations from the audience, purely for improving humanity in between.
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Sasha Jul 05, 2016 04:13pm
Oh Common, those comedy shows are really depressing.
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SHARMAJI Jul 05, 2016 05:52pm
Shoaib you are welcome in India. We seen your funny side in Kapil Sharma Show. But Wasim Akram and Imran Khan were most respect Pakistani In India.
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