The fans of Shoaib Akhtar will be really disappointed after hearing the news that he retires from the international game after WC 2011.
Pakistan's pacer Shoaib Akhtar, 35, recently announced that he will retire in ODI after the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup so it is very surprising news for his fans as they will miss the fastest bowling. Apparently, Akhtar broke the news on Thursday morning to his teammates and manager of the decision at the Premadasa Stadium in an emotional farewell speech and was squeezed by fellow players and staff members. Before the world cup, it was considered that after the tournament he may retire, but he told the news himself hence its end of a stormy career which was flawed by numerous controversies, counting a dope scandal.
Shoaib Akhtar, nicknamed the "Rawalpindi Express" is considered as one of the fastest bowlers ever to play the game, which made his international debut in December 1997 in a Test match against the West Indies. In a little more than 13-year career, he managed 46 Tests only but performed remarkably by taking 178 wickets at 25.69. However, he was more usual feature in 163 ODIs as Pakistan’s forefront and took 247 wickets at 24.97. Akhtar registered himself as the fastest man in contemporary cricket as he clocked 100mph in Pakistan's ODI match against New Zealand at Lahore in 2002.
Akhtar was looking at the World Cup 2011 as his ultimate shot at glory due to an injury-ravaged body finding it hard to endure the rigors of international cricket. He said on Thursday, “I have decided to retire. Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters, 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”.
He also added by saying, "It was an honour to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment. I have taken this decision after much thought," and further said, "Pakistan's last match in this World Cup will also be my last. I hope that will be the final on April 2."
In this world cup, he was outstanding in the starting match against Sri Lanka but after a striking opening spell against New Zealand he was taken for 28 runs in his last over so the team management gave rest to him for the match against Zimbabwe and believe to be an unlikely starter for Saturday's last Group A match against Australia.
Waqar said regarding Akhtar, "I think he served the team and country well and it's a graceful way to leave the game to make room for youngsters,” and Afridi added, "Akhtar always tried his best for the team and we wish him every success in his life".
His career will be remembered for a series of fitness problems, issues pertaining to his action and discipline, and even a doping offence that prevented him attaining his potential. He was suspended for two years in 2006 for testing positive for prohibited steroid nandrolone. The 2007 World Cup was missed by him because of fitness issues whereas he was fined greatly and banned for five matches after hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat, two days earlier than the 2007 World T20 in South Africa. After publicly criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board following his omission from the list of centrally contracted players, he was banned for five years in 2008. By a tribunal the ban was decreased to 18 months but levied a fine of 7.0 million Pakistani rupees ($105,000 at the time). Until now, his appeal against the ban is pending.
Shoaib Akhtar announces retirement video from youtube:
Pakistan's pacer Shoaib Akhtar, 35, recently announced that he will retire in ODI after the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup so it is very surprising news for his fans as they will miss the fastest bowling. Apparently, Akhtar broke the news on Thursday morning to his teammates and manager of the decision at the Premadasa Stadium in an emotional farewell speech and was squeezed by fellow players and staff members. Before the world cup, it was considered that after the tournament he may retire, but he told the news himself hence its end of a stormy career which was flawed by numerous controversies, counting a dope scandal.
Shoaib Akhtar, nicknamed the "Rawalpindi Express" is considered as one of the fastest bowlers ever to play the game, which made his international debut in December 1997 in a Test match against the West Indies. In a little more than 13-year career, he managed 46 Tests only but performed remarkably by taking 178 wickets at 25.69. However, he was more usual feature in 163 ODIs as Pakistan’s forefront and took 247 wickets at 24.97. Akhtar registered himself as the fastest man in contemporary cricket as he clocked 100mph in Pakistan's ODI match against New Zealand at Lahore in 2002.
Akhtar was looking at the World Cup 2011 as his ultimate shot at glory due to an injury-ravaged body finding it hard to endure the rigors of international cricket. He said on Thursday, “I have decided to retire. Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters, 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”.
He also added by saying, "It was an honour to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment. I have taken this decision after much thought," and further said, "Pakistan's last match in this World Cup will also be my last. I hope that will be the final on April 2."
In this world cup, he was outstanding in the starting match against Sri Lanka but after a striking opening spell against New Zealand he was taken for 28 runs in his last over so the team management gave rest to him for the match against Zimbabwe and believe to be an unlikely starter for Saturday's last Group A match against Australia.
Waqar said regarding Akhtar, "I think he served the team and country well and it's a graceful way to leave the game to make room for youngsters,” and Afridi added, "Akhtar always tried his best for the team and we wish him every success in his life".
His career will be remembered for a series of fitness problems, issues pertaining to his action and discipline, and even a doping offence that prevented him attaining his potential. He was suspended for two years in 2006 for testing positive for prohibited steroid nandrolone. The 2007 World Cup was missed by him because of fitness issues whereas he was fined greatly and banned for five matches after hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat, two days earlier than the 2007 World T20 in South Africa. After publicly criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board following his omission from the list of centrally contracted players, he was banned for five years in 2008. By a tribunal the ban was decreased to 18 months but levied a fine of 7.0 million Pakistani rupees ($105,000 at the time). Until now, his appeal against the ban is pending.
Shoaib Akhtar announces retirement video from youtube:
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