New Delhi, July 5: After veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed that Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had once thrashed former and his team mate Yuvraj Singh in a hotel room, Akhtar has laughed off at 'brother' Bhajji's claims.

Shoaib Akhtar once thrashed me and Yuvraj Singh in a room: Harbhajan Singh

Akhtar, also known as Rawalpindi Express, agreed that the incident took place in a hotel room in Pakistan, but it was all fun and nothing was serious about it.

"I think he has made a big deal of it. Yes it did happen during 2004 when we were playing a Test in Rawalpindi. But it was nothing serious and all fun," Akhtar clarified.

"Basically we were horsing around and doing some arm wrestling and that is all but no Bhajji and Yuvi are my younger brothers no question of beating them up," Akhtar said.

Harbhajan speaks on Kohli, 'monkeygate' and why he slapped Sreesanth

During an interview to a television show, "Aap Ki Adalat", Harbhajan revealed, "Shoaib once threatened me he would come to my room and beat me. I told him come, let's see who beats whom. I was really scared. He is a great hulk. He once bashed me and Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) inside a room. Since he was heavy, it was difficult to catch him," Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan Singh's claims were highlighted by Pakistani media.

Akhtar also said that any rivalry with Indian players was always on the field and not off it. "They got along well with me and used to come to my room and have dinner together. Yuvi wanted to go for sightseeing in Islamabad. We have been good friends so how can I beat them," he remarked.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the then Pakistan' captain in the Test, confirmed that such an incident had taken place in the hotel room.

"But Shoaib was always very muscular and strong and even hugging him or shaking hands with him could be painful for other players," Inzamam joked.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)