The Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar is the King of Fast Bowling.
Shoaib Akhtar is the Pakistan Bowler who has ripped tons of International batters with his Bowling.
His nickname is Rawalpindi Express due to his extreme pace and killer deliveries on the cricket field.
Shoaib Akhtar has contributed to his National team in many international games. His test debut was in 1997 November. “After an Impactful test Performance, he was soon selected in Pakistan’s One Day International Team.
Shoaib Akhtar has represented Pakistan in all the International Cricket formats. Hence, he was always impactful with bowling performance and won many games in pressure conditions for his national team.
Akhtar played for his National side for 14 long years. Hence he had an outstanding Career with Great Records and tons of Wickets. “Many Batsman scared facing Shoaib Akhtar.”
Akhtar was also involved in several controversies throughout his Career. Akhtar was sent back home in a match due to his bad attitude and unethical behavior. “He also had several internal fights with the Pakistan Cricket board.”
Shoaib Akhtar was also found guilty of consuming performance-enhancing drugs called nandrolone. The match referee caught him, leading to the further suspension process.
Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan in several World cups. He played his last 50 over the world cup in 2011 in Indian Ground.
Pakistan reached the semi-finals, and India thrashed them to go to the finals and Defeat Sri lanka to conquer the Trophy.
| Name | Shoaib Akhtar |
| Age | 46 years |
| DOB | 13th August 1975 |
| Religion | Islam |
| Profession | Former Pakistan Cricketer |
| Known for | Fast Bowler, Right Arm |
| Wife | Rubab Khan |
| Nationality | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
Shoaib Akhtar Personal Life
Shoaib Akhtar was from a small town – Moga in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. His father, Muhammad Akhtar, was a very religious man and raised his children very religiously and humbly.
Shoaib Akhtar’s childhood was not luxurious as he was from a middle-class family. His father worked as the night watchman at the local petrol station in their area.
Shoaib’s mother was a housewife – Hameed Awan. Muhammad Akhtar and Hameeda Awan have four children. “Shoaib Akhtar is their fourth child.”
The meaning of Shoaib means the one who separates and one who brings people closer. Shoaib Akhtar is spiritually very active and a humble Man by heart.
Shoaib Akhtar Early Life
Shoaib Akhtar studied in Asghar Mall College and was a bright student in his schooling days.
Akhtar was more interested in cricket as he grew up and focused on his Career. He used to visit his cricket coaching classes leaving his tuition classes. “He gave it all for the sports in his early days.”
Shoaib actor struggled with money in his growing up days. His parents never had enough money to fulfil all their children’s dreams.
Akhtar didn’t have enough money to buy a bus ticket and always walked to his coaching classes. He walked Miles with dedication and motivation to reach his cricket academy.
After some struggles in his personal life, he evolved to represent the Pakistan team in the 1993/94 season. The chief executive of the Pakistan cricket board Majid Khan was impressed with Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling skills.
Pakistan A played with England A in the England home tour for the test matches in 1996. Shoaib Akhtar represented the Pakistan squad, and he bowled incredibly well in the series to win everyone’s heart.
In 1997, just after one year of good performance in the first-class Career, Shoaib made it to the test squad. He got his chance to represent the Pakistan national team against West Indies.
Shoaib Akhtar International Career
The Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan in the second test match against West Indies in 1997/98. “He was the first player to include in the squad as for his great first-class career records.”
He was also included in South Africa tour in 1998. He played three tests and performed decently well in the series.
Pakistan played Australia in 1998; the Australian batters smashed the Pakistan Bowlers, including Shoaib Akhtar. Mark Taylor was the highest scorer in the match. He made an unbeaten 334 in the Australian first innings. Hence Australia won the Test at last.
After 16 bowling innings, Shoaib Akhtar took only 18 wickets. The bowling figures were not ideal as he was less efficient than in his first-class Career.
Shoaib Akhtar Fought Back
Shoaib Akhtar’s breakthrough performance came in 1995 during a pre-world cup series Against the Mighty Indians.
The 1999 world cup was crucial for Shoaib Akhtar Upcoming career. He performed incredibly well as Pakistan qualified for the finals against Australia.
Steve Waugh led the Australian team and successfully thrashed the Pakistanis with an all-around team effort. The Australians defeated the Pakistanis in the 1999 world cup to win their second World Cup.
In 1999, Pakistan played India in Calcutta’s Asian test championship match. Shoaib Akhtar emerged as the pick of the bowlers with eight wickets in that championship match.
He dismissed world-class players like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. “Akhtar knocked the stumps of these two Indian batters and earned fame and fans.”
The Rise and Fall OF AKHTAR
Pakistan poorly played Australia in 2002 and achieved No success in the series.
The 2003 World Cup started soon, and the Tournament was a total failure for the 1999 World Cup runner-up, Pakistan. They failed to make it to the knockout stages and were out from the Group Stages Competition.
Pakistan also played India in the 2003 World Cup group stages match. Pakistan battered first and put on their first innings score of 273 runs in their 50 overs.
In return, India chased down the target in only 45 overs. Sachin Tendulkar was the highest run-getter with 98 runs off 75 balls. The crucial innings of Mohammad Kaif, Rahul Dravid, and Yuvraj Singh led the team to be victorious against the Pakistanis.
Shoaib bowled ten over and conceded 72 runs picking up only 1 Wicket. “Ultimately, the Pakistan side dropped him after the 2003 World Cup.”
The Rising Controversies and Failures
Akhtar was in the squad after the 2003 World Cup in the Newzealand test series. Hence he didn’t get a chance on the playing 11 throughout the series.
The next series was against India in 2004. The series went Controversial for the right-hand pacer bowler – Shoaib Akhtar.
After having a brawl with Inzamam-ul-Haq, he left fielding and went to the dressing room. Captain Inzamam was very angry about his unethical behavior. “The Pakistan media questioned Shoaib’s motivation and dedication towards his National side Pakistan.”
After the Indian series, the relationship between Inzamam ul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar was no more, and the players lacked unity.
Akhtar also had issues with his National side coach Bob Woolmer. “After the Investigation, the Pakistan cricket board ignored and disapproved the Suspicions.
Akhtar Reconquering his Reputation
Pakistan played England for a three-match test series in 2005.
Akhtar gained everyone’s heart with an impactful bowling spell in the three-match test series against England. “Akhtar speed and slower deliveries troubled the England batters to give up their wickets.”
After evolving as a bowler in the series, he took 17 wickets and became the leading Wicket taker.
After all the criticism, controversies, and the struggle to perform in the International matches, Shoaib was back. His comeback was more impactful than his International debut.
The England players after the series appreciated and acknowledged the fastest bowler Shoaib AKHTAR. “The England captain Michael Vaughan Said – Shoaib Akhtar performance was the turning point of the series.”
Fight with Mohammad Asif
On 11 October 2007, Shoaib Akhtar ban from 13 one-day internationals for hitting his teammate Mohammad Asif.
The two players faced disputes and arguments, which led to a fighting brawl and unethical relationship.
Shoaib Akhtar proved guilty and asked 34 lakhs for his rude behaviour and Violence.
He returned to the South African home series in Lahore in Pakistan. He took four wickets for 43 runs and led his side to victory. “After the good performance, he was in the 16 man squad in the India Tour.”
The Final Years of Shoaib Career
Shoaib Akhtar made a return in the shorter format of the game – the T20 Internationals.
Pakistan cricket board announced the Squad list for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup.
Akhtar played the Asia Cup taking three wickets for 28 runs in the first-ever match against Sri Lanka. “Unfortunately, he missed the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup due to personal reason.”
In July 2010, the selectors decided to play Shoaib only in the white ball Cricket games for his injury consequences.
Shoaib represented Pakistan for the one-day international and T20 Series against England in September 2010.
Shoaib Akhtar was impressive with his bowling figures in the England series. He got two wickets for 23 runs and continued his form in the further ODI’s
In those days, Pakistan 2 frontline bowlers Mohammed Asif, and Mohammad Amir, were out from the squad for on-spot match-fixing. The left-hand Pakistan opener, Salman Butt, was also proved to execute the plan.
The Pakistan bowling Coach Waqar Younis insisted the selectors go for some new talents. As Shoaib Akhtar was already 35 years of age, there were no fast bowlers after Asif and Amir’s suspension to represent the squad.
After then Shoaib represented Pakistan in the New Series. He got three wickets on the first Boxing Day T20 International match.
Shoaib Akhtar was also selected in the 2011 world cup. He represented Pakistan in the group stage matches and dropped in the knockout stages.
Pakistan played India in the semi-finals and lost the match. “Shoaib asked the selectors to include him in the Semifinal match, but everyone ignored.”
Akhtar Domestic Career
Shoaib Akhtar played domestic cricket for England. He has played for three England cricket clubs, Somerset, Durham, and Worcestershire.
He has represented three England domestic teams and given his maximum Contribution for the respective sides.
He picked five wickets for 35 runs playing for Durham in the National League 2003.
Also, he picked six wickets for 16 runs in the National League 2005, representing Worcestershire.
He was also accused of unethical behaviour in England’s domestic cricket.
Therefore, the England cricket board chairman John Eliot said he had no interest in Shoaib’s Performance.
Elliott said that Shoaib’s presence is no good for any cricket club or National side as he does whatever he wants.
Indian Premier League
Shoaib Akhtar also played for the Indian country in the Indian Premier League, representing Kolkata knight Riders.
Akhtar had a beautiful relation with the owner of the Kolkata knight Riders team Shahrukh Khan.
Shahrukh was inspirational for Shoaib. He liked his success story and acting in Bollywood films. He was on good terms with Shahrukh, and he gave it all for the Kolkata knight Riders team.
Akhtar’s best performance came against the Delhi Daredevils. He took four wickets and defended his team 133 runs. The Daredevils bundled in only 110 runs and the nights won by 23 runs.
After an incredible performance, he got the man of the Match Award. In that Award presentation, he said he just wanted to win the game and do well for his side.
Captain Sourav Ganguly appreciated Akhtar’s Performance and the humbleness with his Words. “Saurav Said that he has gone through a lot of things, but he fought and came like a true champion.”
Akhtar Brawl with his Team Mates
Shoaib Akhtar faced several injuries, controversies, and fights in his entire cricketing Career.
After the bad performance in the 2003 World Cup, he had a personal conflict with this National side captain Waqar Younis. “The Brawl troubled the Pakistan Cricket Board and destroyed the Players Unity among themselves.
Ball-Tampering Charges
Shoaib Akhtar was also guilty of ball-tampering in an international match against Srilanka.
Pakistan was facing Sri Lanka in a triangular series in 2001. In that Match Akhtar was tearing the ball with his teeth in live camera for the extra rever swing.
Soon after the match, the Match referee band Akhtar for the upcoming International games. “Akhtar became the second player to face International cricket ban in World Cricket.”
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Shoaib’s Verbal Conflict with International Players
In an international match against South Africans, Akhtar abused the South African spin bowler Paul Adams. The Match referee took legal actions against him and banned him from upcoming games. “Akhtar Suspended for one test match and two one-day internationals against South Africa.”
Pakistan faced India in the 2004 home series. Shoaib Akhtar was on the side representing his national team Pakistan. “
He struggled with his back and wrist problems and went out of the match. “Hence his teammates said that it was just an excuse to not bowl for a long time.”
Akhtar’s Teammates’ comments led to the rise of commitment and dedication questions for Akhtar. “Many players called himself arrogant and a person who only thinks of himself.”
Shoaib’s Unethical Behaviors
Pakistan played Australia in 2005 away matches. Shoaib was sent back home after selecting on the national side. “Shoaib was not disciplined, open-mouth, and hard to vibe in throughout the series.”
Shoaib was also caught red-handed for the Doping Violation. He used performance-enhancing drugs to better his Bowling. “The Pakistan cricket board banned him for two years due to the doping Violations causes.”
In 2006 Akhtar struggled with his ankle and knee injuries that pushed him to go for Surgery. “Hence after the surgery, he was back in his bowling Rhythm.”
The Biggest Scam of World Cricket – Drugs
The Pakistan frontline bowler Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif tested positive for consuming performance-enhancing drug – Nandrolone.
The two players were in the Pakistan 2006 Champions Trophy Squad. Hence the Actions made the Pakistan Cricket board rule them out of the Tournament.
The Pakistan cricket board chairman said that he always suspected Shoaib to consume drugs before the cricket matches. Also, he always reserved himself when the Drug test happened before the games.
The former Pakistan captain Inzamam ALSO claimed about Akhtar’s Drug Usage. He also complained about a file against Shoaib, but his statement, ignored and not accepted seriously.
Shoaib Akhtar confronted everyone that he was innocent and honest with his words. Hence nothing changed much. Ultimately the Pakistan cricket board suspended him with the charges of 2 year banner from International cricket.
The Further Suspension
Shoaib Akhtar said to everyone that he could never cheat and misuse his powers in an Unethical way. He said that he took the Non- Dietary supplement alongside his Teammate Mohammad Asif and not Drugs.
The two players confronted everyone about their honesty and neglected the allegations. Hence they both left the national squad and went home to spend their 2 year Ban from national cricket.
The Pakistan cricket board then reduced the two-year band to one year of suspension of the two players. “Shoaib Akhtar unethical behaviour – listed in the Pakistan Olympic association of drug offenders.”
On 5 December 2006, his lawyer Abid Hassan took his case and got him out of the Cricket ban. “Shoaib then allowed representing his national team.”
Shoaib Akhtar Ban ended as his lawyer states to the court of not being aware of the drugs and further consequences. Hence these two players promised everyone to stay out of Drugs and never use them again.”
Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were then said to play the domestic games before making it to the International Squad.
Shoaib Akhtar missed representing Pakistan in the iconic 2007 Cricket World Cup.
The Pakistan Selectors said that these two players are more prone to injuries and cannot risk their health. Hence the two players were selected for T20 World Cup 2007 and the Upcoming West Indies Series.
Several Fines and Allegations
Shoaib Akhtar used bad language against the Pakistan Cricket Board in 2007. He was then fined 3 lakh rupees for the rude behaviour in the National cricket camp in Karachi.
T20 World Cup was about to start, and controversy started between Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.
Shoaib Akhtar hit Mohammad Asif with a bat after a brawl in the dressing room. “The Reason was a verbal conflict related to Imran Khan.”
Akhtar was then sent home and removed from the 2020 World Cup squad. After some months, the reason came out that Afridi was the reason. “Afridi neglected and didn’t accept the allegations and moved on in his further life.”
5 Years of Ban
On 1 April 2008, Akhtar was suspended for five years for Violence against his teammates. He was banned from all three formats of the accept game.
Hence after the Ban, he thought to play the Indian Premier League in India, but he was not allowed. The IPL tournament executive announced that Shoaib could only play the IPL after the Ban Expiry.
Shoaib Akhtar was disappointed after the Ban, and he said that he would do anything to get out of the Ban.
Shoaib said that he would visit the High Court and appeal to the highest Jurisdiction to free himself from the Ban.
Therefore on 4 June 2008, the Pakistan Cricket board allowed Akhtar to participate in the Indian Premier League.
After the International Ban, Shoaib then played for the England Domestic Teams and IPl.
The Entire Career of Shoaib Akhtar had Controversies and brawls without playing too much cricket for the national team.
The Right Arm Fast Bowler didn’t like how the Pakistan Cricket Board treated him for his honesty and Contribution.
Retirement
Shoaib Akhter played his last test International match against India In 2007. It was his last test Internationals for his national side. After 2001 he involved himself in many Controversies, which spoiled his cricketing Career.
Shoaib’s Last One day international match was in 2011 Against Newzealand. After 2011 he silently retired from all forms of World Cricket.
Shoaib Published Books
Shoaib Akhtar Retired in 2011; he then published his Autobiography – Controversially Yours – just after his retirement. “The Journalist Anshu Dogra Wrote his Autobiography”
Akhtar Cricket Records.
Shoaib Akhtar has represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 162 One Day, and 15 T20 Internationals.
Akhtar has taken 444 wickets in his entire Cricketing Career.
Television Appearances
- Jjhoom India – India
- Comedy Nights With Kapil – India
- Mazaak Mazaak Mein – India
- Game on Hail – Pakistan
- Geo Khelo Pakistan – Pakistan
- YouTube Rewind 2019 – Self
- YouTube MrJayPlays – Urdu
