Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar: “I always knew I was going to become a superstar”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Iconic Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he always knew he was going to become a superstar.
Akhtar is renowned for being one of the most frightening fast bowlers in the history of the sport as he holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in international cricket at 161.3 kph (100.2 mph).
The Rawalpindi Express noted that he especially enjoyed playing against India because of the electrifying atmosphere and the fierce rivalry between the two nations.
Overall, the 50-year-old represented his country in 46 Tests and took 178 wickets at an average of 25.69.
He also played 163 ODIs and claimed 247 wickets at an average of 24.97.
As for his T20I career, Akhtar finished with 19 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 22.73.
“I loved playing against India in front of thousands of people in the stadium. I liked to run the show. I always knew I was going to become a superstar,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Farid Khan on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Pakistan team recently played in the 2025 Asia Cup and made it to the final, where they lost to India by five wickets.
Next up for the men in green will be a home series against South Africa from October 12 to November 8.
The series will consist of two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs.
Pakistan squad for South Africa Test series: Shan Masood (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi