Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistan’s ace fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar nicknamed as the Rawlapindi Express is set to retire from International Cricket after the World Cup. This decision came on Thursday at the Premadsa Stadium during an emotional gathering. Earlier, he had already announced that this edition of the WC would be his last. Shoaib on Thursday also delivered a farewell speech and was also embraced by fellow players and support staff.

This decision was rather inevitable to be true. Shoaib had been suffering from incessant injuries and was finding it hard to cope with the exactitudes at the international level. Even when he was selected for the WC we have witnessed mixed responses about his fitness from the former Pakistan Cricketers.

While, Waqar questioned Shoaib’s fitness in late Feb as the WC kicked off, Moin Khan was quoted saying, “I just feel that if the team management had any reservations over the fitness of Shoaib why was he selected in the World Cup squad in the first place. Why take such a big risk for such a big event? Now is the time for Waqar and the captain and manager to support and back Shoaib in the media and not criticise his fitness.”

And, the team manager, Intikhab, was in full-support for the speedster saying, “Even a half-fit Shoaib can win the WC for Pakistan.”

So, we see the end to a captivating, eventful and impulsive career of the maverick. He started playing cricket at the age of 20 and that too with a tennis ball. The President of Rawalpindi Real Cricket Association, Isthaq Shah happened to watch one of his games and he was quite impressed by the speedster. He offered him to play in a Test Match against NZ! And, it’s very hard to believe but the Rawalpindi Express played with the actual cricket ball only in his very first international cricket match!

Shoaib’s career has been through lots of ups and downs. He has had many injuries and his bad attitude also earned him an evil reputation in the sport. Besides, he has also been allegedly found to be involved in many controversies – ball tempering, drug-controversy and verbal volleys both on and off the field! He has once even charged for beating his fellow teammate Asif with a bat due to spat with him.

But, then we cannot doubt his wicket taking abilities. The sheer-pace he delivers on the field has been hot to handle for even the best batsmen of world! He has an excellent bouncer and Yorker bowling ability. He is a potential match winner and always poses a threat to the opposition. Although, a bit erratic when he performs he twitches the opposition batting lineup.

In his 13 years career he has managed to play a meagre 46 Tests but performed astoundingly gathering 178 wickets at an average of 25.69. In ODI’s he has managed 247 wickets at an average of 24.97.

Well, I feel he had the potential to break all records. Pakistan Cricket would have unleashed pinnacles due to his tremendous skills, had he been disciplined and had a noble attitude on the field.But, then,“most talented players don’t always succeed. Some unfortunately, don’t even make it to the team. It’s more what’s inside.”

Tags: Cricket, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Pakistan, Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar, WC, World Cup