Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar: “Even if I couldn’t take wickets in this era, I would’ve sent at least 30-40 batters to hospitals”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Lethally quick Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes that if he were playing today, he would send “at least 30-40 batters” to the hospital.
Akhtar is known for being one of the most frightening fast bowlers in history as he could crank his speed up to 160 kph.
In fact, the Rawalpindi Express still holds the record for the quickest ball ever bowled in international cricket, which was clocked at a blistering 161.3 kph (100.2 mph).
The 48-year-old noted that he always wanted to bowl fast and never wanted to slow down as it wasn’t in his nature to do so.
“Pace is a god-gifted talent. Some people are born with it. You are bound to do what you are asked to do. I was bound to do this, and I had a responsibility to showcase my talent. And I did that. Even if I wanted to slow down a bit, I wouldn’t have been able to go against my nature. I would have wanted to bowl quicker and quicker. Even if I couldn’t take wickets in this era, I would’ve sent at least 30-40 batters to hospitals,” Akhtar told the Hindustan Times.
Akhtar had a stellar international career, representing his country in 46 Tests and picking up 178 wickets at an average of 25.69.
He also featured in 163 ODIs and took 247 wickets at an average of 24.97.
As for T20Is, the Rawalpindi Express snapped up 19 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 22.73.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team haven’t been anywhere near their best lately as they were thumped 3-0 in their Test series against Australia and 4-1 in a T20I series against New Zealand.
Many of the national players are now involved in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), which got underway on February 17.
[TS_Poll id=”111″]