New Delhi, May 5: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar arrived at the Indira Gandhi International airport on Monday, from where he will be leaving for Kolkata later in the day.

"I am happy to be in India. I am looking forward to play in the IPL and play my role for my team," said Akhtar

"I am grateful to the people of India for embracing me, especially (team owner) Shah Rukh Khan who supported me. Eden Gardens is like my home ground. I am looking ahead to be there soon," added Akhtar.

"I have not played cricket for four months. I have to acclimatise with the conditions and train hard. I want to do my bit for my team," he said.

While refusing to talk about his appeal pending before an Appeallate Tribunal in Pakistan, Akhtar said, "I don`t want to talk about the case, it is pending before a tribunal".

Shoaib’s ban was extended earlier on Sunday by a month, clearing way for him to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League. Shoaib had been bought by Shah Rukh Khan owned Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping sum of USD 425,000.

According to reports, federal interior advisor Rehman Malik intervened and helped to settle differences between Shoaib and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Dr. Nasim Ashraf.

Talking to media persons before his departure in Islamabad, Shoaib thanked Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for his intervention to resolve the dispute.

Shoaib is expected to play in Kolkata Knight Riders’ next match in the Indian Premier League, scheduled to be held May 8 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.