Rivals praise Ganguly
Shoaib and Yousuf pay tribute to outgoing Indian batsman
Last Updated: October 8, 2008 12:32pm
Ganguly: earned Pakistan's respect
Pakistan's cricketers were full of praise for Indian rival Sourav Ganguly after he announced his plan to retire from international cricket.
"He has taken a brave decision and he will go as one of the 'icons' of Indian cricket."
Shoaib Akhtar Quotes of the week
Ganguly will hang up his bat at the conclusion of India's four-Test series against Australia.
The 36-year-old India's most successful captain, having led his country to 21 Test wins during his five-year spell at the helm from 2000 - including a first series win in Pakistan - although his abrasive, uncompromising leadership style did not always go down well with opponents.
"It is a sad day for Indian cricket that he has decided to retire," said Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
"But he has taken a brave decision and he will go as one of the 'icons' of Indian cricket."
Shoaib's team-mate Mohammad Yousuf credited Ganguly with changing India's mentality and attitude.
"He took over the captaincy at a very difficult time when they had a leadership void in their cricket. And he was one of most inspirational captains," Yousuf told Reuters.
"He has taken the right decision because only he knows the situation he was facing. But his contribution to Indian cricket is immense."
Sourav Ganguly
Shoaib Akhtar
Mohammad Yousuf
