Bhopal, Mar 20: Team India's star all rounder Irfan Pathan land on the soil of Bhopal with so may dreams as he had heard about the beauty of the city and hospitality of its people. And Bhopal came true to his expectations. Hours after arriving at the city, Pathan vexed eloquent about Bhopal. Pathan had arrived last night. He woke up early in the morning and offered Namaz-e-Fajr. Later he had a stroll during which he saw beauty of Upper Lake. By the time of breakfast, Pathan was so overwhelmed by whatever little he had seen of Bhopal, that he exclaimed. Wow, this is indeed beautiful. Here are the excerpts of the talk Bhopal Today Team had with Pathan.

Q: Tell something about your Australia visit?

A: During the Aussie tour I had been concentrating throughout on my game while the media was busy in concocting tales of my 'love affair'. Actually, I was not aware what was it all about. I do not give ear to rumours and concentrate only on my game.

Q: What about the ensuing South Africa series?

A: I would strive to better my performance. I don't want to disappoint my fans. My target is to help India win against South Africa by taking maximum number of wickets.

Q: Your most memorable moment in Australia?

A: Sending the last over in the final of tri-series was most important and memorable moment not only in Australia tour but my entire life.

Q: What do you say about cricket and love fevers?

A: Replying to this question Pathan said 'friends, we are also human beings. We too have a heart in our chest. We also want have some pastime. This is another thing that people spin tales, which have no reality. However, people are amused to watch or read such concocted news on TV channels and newspapers. 'Though we players get somewhat disturbed by such news, but forget everything as soon as we enter the sports arena. In the field we remember only one thing that we have to perform well and ensure India's victory.

Q: What is your opinion about cricket's craze among people?

A: Yes, of course, craze for cricket has risen among the Indian masses, especially youths. It is really good that people love cricket so much. I pray that this 'craze' among the people about cricket continues in the same vein and we players keep getting people's love and respect'.

Q: What would you say about Bhopal?

A: I had heard a lot about Bhopal's beauty. Now I have seen it with my own eyes. It is really so enchanting that words fail to express its beauty. In this short span, I saw both the lakes. Especially fascinating is the Upper Lake. For a moment the desire to swim in the Upper Lake itched my heart but due to paucity of time I could not do so. Bhopal is also good for tourism.

Q: Why and when do you get angry?

A: It was for the first time for me that such an incident took place. But it was only momentary. Such moments keep coming in the lives of sportsmen. Therefore, people should take them in a normal way. Let bygone by bygone. Let's talk good and set better precedents for people so that they can follow them. At this juncture Pathan recited a short Urdu poem translation of which goes like this: 'Friendship leads to progress and hatred shuts its doors. Come, let us forget the past and celebrate everyday as a festival.

Q: What is your message about new players?

A: Every player has to enter the sports arena for the first time and at that time he is new. It is but natural that every new player takes some time to settle down. A new player must maintain his courage and morale and work hard. Success is sure to come.