Pakistan, June 20 -- Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar broke silence over "baseless" reports claiming that he was in love with model-turned-actress Sonali Bendre.

The speedster took to his YouTube channel to clarify that there was no truth in the rumours that are afloat. Some reports claimed that Shoaib Akhtar was in love with the star, carried pictures of her in his wallet and wanted to kidnap her.

The cricketer claimed that he was never a fan of Sonali Bendre but has seen her in a few films. He also said that he never met the actress.

He, however, admires her for her struggle against cancer and for being a role model for other women.

"When she fell ill and I saw how she fought her illness like a courageous woman, I became a fan of hers...