The Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar is going to blaze at Mohali with his remaining fuel against India, as he gets ready to depart the world of international cricket. Akhtar seems to be pulling in his last destination after serving the country outstandingly for 13 years in this competitive field.
While announcing his retirement in a press conference at Colombo few days back, the Rawalpindi express struggled to control his emotions.
He said; "I have decided to retire. Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters,”
Akhtar has seen a lot of ups and downs in his career. He brought some stupendous victories for Pakistan in both One Day Internationals and test matches by his terrifying bowling pace.
Despite an excellent and remarkable career, Akhtar's career never been free from controversies. The fast bowler, often nicknamed as the Bad Boy of Cricket, has faced scandals related to drugs, girls, illegal bowling action, disciplinary issues and being a difficult team player.
Akhtar added at the conference, "I have no regrets. I made lots of friends but some people have misunderstood me. I thank all the players who played with me and against me.” Stressing on being remembered well, he said, “I want to be remembered as an honest and patriotic player who never trod a wrong path,"
He joined the team and cemented his place in presence of two legendary fast bowlers, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
"It was an honor to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment,” 35 years fast bowler said.
Akhtar started his international career in 1997. He has picked 178 wickets in 46 Tests, dismissed 247 batsmen in 163 ODIs. He has also contributed in Twenty20 international by taking 19 wickets in 15 matches. The fast bowler tasted real fame in 1999 during the Asian Test Championship, after getting the wickets of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. Akthar had sustained this eminence in the ICC World Cup 1999, as he, along with Wasim Akram, was one of the most killing aspects of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Rawalpindi Express was notorious for distressing batsman with his blazing speed, bang bouncers and swinging Yorkers. The fast bowler was radiant and fiery on the field, and to his credit has scared and injured some of world’s top batsmen by throwing speedy threats in their way.
Akhtar has played for many teams in his 13 years career. These include: Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Chittagong Division, Durham, Somerset, Surrey, Kolkata Knight Riders, ICC World XI, Islamabad Leopards, Khan Research Labs, Asia XI, Pakistan International Airlines, and Worcestershire.
In the 2011 World Cup, Akhtar's performance has been on and off. The Rawalpindi played brilliantly against Kenya and Sri Lanka with the figures of 0/10 and 2/42 respectively. He was absent from the match against Canada, while the game with New Zealand was a nightmare for him, as the Kiwis smashed him all around the ground. Akhtar conceded 28 runs in his last over in the same game. He was rested in the match against Zimbabwe and Aussies.
The fast pacer was not selected in the final XI against West Indies in the quarter-final. But it seems Pakistan will pick up Akhtar for the semi-final, perhaps employing him as the bona fide threat for the Indian Team. Pakistani fans are hoping to see him in action and are expecting the same fireworks which have been the highlight of his outstanding career.
While announcing his retirement in a press conference at Colombo few days back, the Rawalpindi express struggled to control his emotions.
He said; "I have decided to retire. Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters,”
Akhtar has seen a lot of ups and downs in his career. He brought some stupendous victories for Pakistan in both One Day Internationals and test matches by his terrifying bowling pace.
Despite an excellent and remarkable career, Akhtar's career never been free from controversies. The fast bowler, often nicknamed as the Bad Boy of Cricket, has faced scandals related to drugs, girls, illegal bowling action, disciplinary issues and being a difficult team player.
Akhtar added at the conference, "I have no regrets. I made lots of friends but some people have misunderstood me. I thank all the players who played with me and against me.” Stressing on being remembered well, he said, “I want to be remembered as an honest and patriotic player who never trod a wrong path,"
He joined the team and cemented his place in presence of two legendary fast bowlers, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
"It was an honor to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment,” 35 years fast bowler said.
Akhtar started his international career in 1997. He has picked 178 wickets in 46 Tests, dismissed 247 batsmen in 163 ODIs. He has also contributed in Twenty20 international by taking 19 wickets in 15 matches. The fast bowler tasted real fame in 1999 during the Asian Test Championship, after getting the wickets of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. Akthar had sustained this eminence in the ICC World Cup 1999, as he, along with Wasim Akram, was one of the most killing aspects of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Rawalpindi Express was notorious for distressing batsman with his blazing speed, bang bouncers and swinging Yorkers. The fast bowler was radiant and fiery on the field, and to his credit has scared and injured some of world’s top batsmen by throwing speedy threats in their way.
Akhtar has played for many teams in his 13 years career. These include: Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Chittagong Division, Durham, Somerset, Surrey, Kolkata Knight Riders, ICC World XI, Islamabad Leopards, Khan Research Labs, Asia XI, Pakistan International Airlines, and Worcestershire.
In the 2011 World Cup, Akhtar's performance has been on and off. The Rawalpindi played brilliantly against Kenya and Sri Lanka with the figures of 0/10 and 2/42 respectively. He was absent from the match against Canada, while the game with New Zealand was a nightmare for him, as the Kiwis smashed him all around the ground. Akhtar conceded 28 runs in his last over in the same game. He was rested in the match against Zimbabwe and Aussies.
The fast pacer was not selected in the final XI against West Indies in the quarter-final. But it seems Pakistan will pick up Akhtar for the semi-final, perhaps employing him as the bona fide threat for the Indian Team. Pakistani fans are hoping to see him in action and are expecting the same fireworks which have been the highlight of his outstanding career.
