Name : Shoaib Akhtar.
Nick name : Rawalpindi Express.
Date of Birth : 13 August, 1975.
Place of Birth : Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Batting Style : Right Handed Batsman.
Bowling Style : Right Arm fast.
Role : Pace bowler.
Playing Teams : Pakistan and Kolkata Knight Riders.
ONE DAT INTERNATIONAL CAREER::
Matches : 138.
Wickets : 219
Best figures : 6/11
Economy : 4.56run’s per over.
Average : 23.20(Bowl)
5/10 wickets : 4/0
Runs : 345
Best : 17
Average : 9.58(Bat).
Catches : 17.
TEST CAREER::
Matches : 46
Wickets : 178
Best figures : 6/11
Economy : 3.76run’s per over.
Average : 25.69(Bowl)
5/10 wickets : 12/2.
Runs : 544
Best : 47
Average : 10.07(Bat)
Catches : 12.
Shoaib’s Personal Information::
Shoaib Akhtar born on 13 August, 1975 in Rawalpindi, Punjab is a Pakistani cricketer widely recognized as the fastest bowler in the world, earning him the name Rawalpindi Express. He set a world record by clocking 100mph twice. His ability to bowl fast Yorkers, well disguised slow balls, swinging deliveries, and sharp bouncers made him lethal even on dead pitches.
Shoaib was born at Morgah a small town near Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. His father was a worker in At tock Oil Refinery; Morgah Shoaib started his studies at Malangi High school, Morgah and then took admission in the Asghar Mall college, Rawalpinidi. There he was given the chance to show off his talent and consequently come into the limelight.
Starting from his carrier::
Shoaib’s run of impressive performances started in 1999 in a pre-world cup series against India when he shot to prominence. It was followed by outstanding bowling displays in Sharjah and later in 1999 cricket world cup. His memorable performance came in India in 1999 when, as a newcomer to the Pakistan team, he took eight wickets in the Asian Test championship match at Calcutta- including the wickets of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid off Successive deliveries. This was Shoaib’s first encounter with Sachin Tendulkar in which Shoaib bowled him for the first ball he delivered to Sachin.
In 2002-03 he played leading roles in Pakistan’s wins over South Africa and New Zealand in home and away series. Later in 2005 he fared a spirited bowling attack against Australia. The 2003 world cup was a huge disappointment especially given the hype, after which he was dropped from the team. He came back in the team with a bang in the 2004 series against New Zealand, but struggled in a lost series against India in 2004. The series ended with a controversy when he left the field citing an injury leading to suspicions by the captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, about his commitment. As a result, his relationship with Inzamam-ul-Haq and the coach Bob Woolmer deteriorated. A medical panel set up by PCB to investigate the nature of his injury, however, dispelled all suspicions.
In 2005, Shoaib regained his reputation as a potent bowler for his side. Playing in a three Test home series against England, he made a series of impressive bowling efforts on lifeless pitches. His effective use of slower ball proved to be unplayable by English batsmen. He emerged as the highest wicket taker of the series with 17wickets. His performance was also acknowledged by the English captain Michael Vaughan, who remarked “I thought he was a big difference between the two teams”. He is also known as the bowler who broke the 100mph barrier in cricket bowling history 100.2mph. Shoaib’s delivery at 161.4km/h (100.2mph) stands as the fastest recorded to date.
On October, 2007 Akhtar made his comeback from his 13-match ban and performed well, taking 4-43 against South Africa in the fifth and deciding ODI in Lahore. Subsequently, he was included in the 16-man Pakistan squad for the 2007 tour of India, which he completed successfully without further incident.
Shoaib has played for three countries in English county cricket Somerset (2001), Durham (2003-04) and Worcestershire (2005). He did have his moments of success (for example, taking 5-35 for Durham against Somerset in the National League in 2003, and claiming 6-16 in the same competition for Worcestershire against Glam organ two years later) but he also suffered from fitness problems, as well as a perception that he was less than interested in his task. This was particularly the case at Worcestershire Chairman John Elliott said “players like that are no good to our club. In fact, Shoaib has been no good for any club he’s been at. He’s superstar a just does what he wants.
Controversies and Injuries of Shoaib::
Shoaib’s career has been plagued with injuries, controversies, and accusations of bad attitude. After shooting to stardom at a young age due to his devastating pace, he became more interested in glamour rather than cementing his career. Although he eventually crossed the 100mph barrier, his attitude took its toll on his reputation as well as his fitness. After a poor showing the 2003 World cup, he got involved in a verbal spat with then captain Waqar Younis. Later he was axed along with other players, including Younis. In a triangular series in 2003 in Sri Lanka, he was caught tampering charges. The same year he was banned for one Test and two ODI’s for abusing Paul Adams in a match against South Africa. In the 2004 home series with India, he struggled with wrist and back injuries, which raised questions about their authenticity. During the final Test he cited in injury and chose not to bowl halfway through but was met with raised eyebrows, when he later turned up to bat, apparently enjoying himself. Although his injuries were not proved to be fake, his reputation suffered, especially after Haq’s outburst in a post match press conference. His relationship with the captain and the coach deteriorated further partially due to his manipulative nature and partially due to politics.
In November 2006, the liaison officer assigned to the Pakistani team in India, Anil Kaul, alleged that Shoaib had slapped Coach Bob Woolmer following a fight over the music to be played in the team bus on the eve of ICC champions Trophy. Both Shoaib and Woolmer have, however, strongly denied the allegations.
Shoaib in Indian Premier League (IPL)::
Shoaib made a strong comeback in his first game in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders against Delhi Daredevils. Defending a low score of 133, Shoaib took four top order wickets which ultimately led to the Daredevils being restricted to 110. He ended with figures of 3-0-11-4, a performance which earned him the player of the match award. Shoaib denied that he had any point to prove with his performance, stating, “I just wanted to win the game. “ Knight Riders” captain Sourav Ganguly also acknowledged, “He came to the country with lots [of things] happening behind him…. But he showed a lot of character.”