Photos: Happy Birthday Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar was rightly called the `Rawalpindi Express` for his ability to bowl at a lightning fast pace. At his best, Akhtar`s pace combined with his slingy action and ability to move the ball resulted in many a batsmen heading to the dugout in a hurry. However, the drawback of his action and pace were the multiple injuries that plagued him not just in his career but even after retirement. Pictures Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
1/9
Shoaib Akhtar was rightly called the `Rawalpindi Express` for his ability to bowl at a lightning fast pace. At his best, Akhtar`s pace combined with his slingy action and ability to move the ball resulted in many a batsmen heading to the dugout in a hurry. However, the drawback of his action and pace were the multiple injuries that plagued him not just in his career but even after retirement. Pictures Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
2/9
Akhtar made his international debut in a Test match against West Indies in 1997. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
ADVERTISEMENT
3/9
Shoaib went on to play 224 international matches for Pakistan across all formates during which he picked up a total of 444 wickets. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
4/9
The Rawalpinidi Express also played in the IPL, during its Inaugural 2008 edition. He featured in 3 games for Kolkata Knight Riders in which he picked up 5 wickets. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
ADVERTISEMENT
5/9
The Pakistani pacer holds the record for the fastest ball bowled in international cricket at 161.3 km/h. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
6/9
Earlier this year Akhtar had called Sachin Tendulkar a brutal player and had termed Rahul Dravid as his biggest nightmare to bowl at. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
ADVERTISEMENT
7/9
Akhtar had to also deal with multiple allegation of `chucking` the ball. But a study revealed that his action appeared as such due to his `unique physical characteristics.` Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
8/9
Shoaib had several run-ins with the PCB and other authorities due to a multitude of reasons ranging from indiscipline and ball tampering to doping and abusing. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
ADVERTISEMENT
9/9
Akhtar is married to Rubab Khan and the pair have one son together. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo of Day
High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan
The iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol was shifted onto a raft on Sunday afternoon after delays since morning due to high tide and technical challenges, with final immersion, delayed by several hours, expected to take place around 11 pm, officials said.
ADVERTISEMENT
