When Shashi met Shoaib! Cong MP bumps into Pakistani cricketer at Dubai airport, posts selfie

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been an avid cricket enthusiast for years. From sharing his views on matches to watching the game live from the stadium, he loves to discuss cricket.

On Monday, the politician was thrilled when he bumped into Pakistani former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar at the Dubai airport.

Taking to Twitter, the 67-year-old said that Akhtar "said hello" when he was returning to Delhi via Dubai. He said he was 'pleasantly surprised' with his recent encounter.


Calling him a "smart and engaging young man," Tharoor heaped praises on the fast bowler. He was impressed beyond words to see the 47-year-old's fans outside Pakistan.

The duo engaged in a thrilling conversation about India, Pakistan and cricket.

"On my way back to Delhi via Dubai, (I) was pleasantly surprised when Shoaib Akhtar said hello. What a smart and engaging young man the tearaway fast bowler is! He has plenty of fans on our side of the border: all the Indians who came up to greet me wanted selfies with him too. Had a good conversation about (inevitably) India, Pakistan and cricket," Tharoor's post said.

Tharoor also shared a selfie with the cricketer-turned-commentator. The MP said that many Indians who came up to greet him also took a selfie with the famed sports star.

Fans were thrilled to see the duo together.




Quote-tweeting Tharoor's post, Akhtar said it was a "pleasure" running into him.


While Tharoor looked dapper in a blue coat with a vertical-striped shirt, Akhtar kept it simple in a black T-shirt.

In November 1997, Akhtar made his Test match debut as an opening fast bowler. He played his first One Day International three months later in 1998. He hung up his boots after the 2011 World Cup.

His post-retirement plan included a career as a cricket reviewer on YouTube and an author of his autobiography 'Controversially Yours'.