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
Updated On: 2022-08-13 02:47 PM IST
Akhtar made his international debut in a Test match against West Indies in 1997. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
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
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
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
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
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
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
Akhtar is married to Rubab Khan and the pair have one son together. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar
