Tag: shoaib akhtar

DHAKA: Legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has backed Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed to break his long-standing record for the fastest delivery in international cricket.

Akhtar recorded the fastest ball ever during the 2003 World Cup against England, clocking 161.3kmph.

The 50-year-old is currently in Bangladesh for his maiden stint as a mentor with Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

“I’ve never been part of the BPL before, but I’ve heard that it’s doing great,” Akhtar remarked.

“Finally, I had the opportunity to come here and be a part of it. I want to pass on whatever I’ve learned, especially about fast bowling, motivate the players, give them a few tricks to win matches and elevate their mindset,” he continued.

Notably, Taskin will play for Dhaka Capitals as a direct signing, allowing Akhtar to mentor one of Bangladesh’s promising fast bowlers.

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“I want Taskin [Ahmed] to break my speed record,” Akhtar said.

He also hailed Nahid Raha, who is one of Bangladesh’s fastest bowlers.

“I have so far seen that in Taskin. And he is looking very good, he is looking sharp, he’s looking focused. And so is Nahid Rana,” Akhtar said.

“I think if he keeps on going along with a great training session and when it comes to training properly… I’ll give him an advice at the same time, if I ever see him. I’ll tell him the trades and secrets of training.

If he gets that, I think he will go far. But the most important is the attitude that you have towards life, and that reflects on the field,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the 12th edition of the BPL will commence on December 26, with Sylhet Titans taking on Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind the national team, urging them to carry the same fearless mindset from their win over Bangladesh into the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against India.

Pakistan secured their spot in Sunday’s title match after narrowly defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a tense Super Four encounter, setting up the first-ever Asia Cup final against India in the tournament’s 41-year history.

Speaking to a local sports outlet, Akhtar advised the players to shed any inferiority complex and attack India head-on.

“Step out of that mindset, break their aura, and go in with the same attitude you had against Bangladesh, take them on, come at us, we’ll see. That’s the attitude you need,” Akhtar stressed.

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The former speedster emphasised that Pakistan’s focus must remain on wickets rather than survival.

“We don’t just have to complete 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go for wickets, even India will realise they can be rattled. And the moment Abhishek gets out within the first two overs, mark my words, they’ll be in real trouble,” he said.

Highlighting the need for self-belief, Shoaib Akhtar reminded the team not to get overwhelmed by India’s stature.

“Don’t focus on them being the number one team. Just ask yourself: what is my best? Whatever that is, put it out there. Play sensible cricket,” he added.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Pakistan’s gritty win over Bangladesh was powered by Mohammad Haris’ 23-ball 31 and handy contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Shaheen Afridi (19), before the bowlers defended 135.

Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Saim Ayub all picked up two wickets each, while Nawaz struck once to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for 9.

Confident of Pakistan’s potential, Akhtar expressed complete faith in the men in green to deliver on the big stage.

“Pakistan has the ability to put up big scores and also bowl the opposition out — trust me, take my word for it. I feel 100% sure Pakistan is going to nail it,” he concluded.

READ: Irfan Pathan lauds Pakistan team after setting up Asia Cup final against India

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar appeared to take a veiled dig at young opener Saim Ayub after the left-hander fell for a golden duck in the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman.

Ayub’s stay lasted just one ball as he misjudged a delivery that kept low while attempting a pick-up shot.

Struck on the back leg, he opted for DRS, but ball-tracking showed the delivery crashing into middle stump. Pakistan were reduced to 4-1 inside the first over, with Ayub walking back alongside the lost review.

Speaking during a post-match discussion on a local sports platform, Shoaib Akhtar underlined the importance of reading the game and settling at the crease, rather than relying on flamboyance.

“For a batsman, it’s about feeling the ball on the bat, judging the placement, the length, the bounce, and adjusting technique accordingly,” Akhtar said.

“You don’t need too much movement. Within two to four balls, a batter gets the feel. It’s not about playing no-look shots; it’s about understanding the game.”

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While Akhtar did not mention Saim Ayub directly, his remarks seemed to point towards the youngster’s costly first-ball dismissal.

Despite the early setback, Pakistan went on to dominate the contest. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris played a blistering knock of 66 off 43 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes.

Contributions from Sahibzada Farhan (29), Fakhar Zaman (23),* and Mohammad Nawaz (19) helped Pakistan post 160/7 in 20 overs.

In response, Oman collapsed under relentless pressure, folding for just 67 in 16.4 overs.

The bowling unit fired in unison as Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faheem Ashraf grabbed two wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Nawaz chipped in with one apiece.

The comprehensive 93-run victory gave Pakistan a flying start to their campaign, moving them to second in Group A with two points and a healthy net run rate of +4.650.

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PESHAWAR: Cricket fans are in for a treat as Babar Azam’s Zalmi XI are taking on Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Legends XI in the much-anticipated Flood Relief Exhibition Match at the Imran Khan Stadium here on Saturday.

Earlier, Legends XI have won the toss and elected to field first against Zalmi XI in the Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match.

Squads

Legends XI: Inzamam-ul-Haq (c), Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Mehmood, Humayun Farhat, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Umaid Asif, Abdur Rehman, Waqar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Nisar Afridi, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Salman.

Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Israrullah, Salman Khan, Azan Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Zulifqar Babar, Ihsanullah, Amir Barki, Nisar Ali, Imran Jr., Qasim Saeed.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, is underway under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

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All proceeds from ticket sales are being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Since the monsoon began in late June, devastating floods have affected several regions of Pakistan, with the death toll crossing 800.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side are facing off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

WATCH: Haris Rauf snaps back at journalist over fielding criticism after Afghanistan win

PESHAWAR: Legends XI have won the toss and elected to field first against Zalmi XI in the Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match here at the Imran Khan Stadium on Saturday.

Squads

Legends XI: Inzamam-ul-Haq (c), Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Mehmood, Humayun Farhat, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Umaid Asif, Abdur Rehman, Waqar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Nisar Afridi, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Salman.

WATCH: Flood Relief Exhibition Match in Peshawar: Zalmi XI vs Legends XI

Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Israrullah, Salman Khan, Azan Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Zulifqar Babar, Ihsanullah, Amir Barki, Nisar Ali, Imran Jr., Qasim Saeed.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, is underway under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

All proceeds from ticket sales are being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Since the monsoon began in late June, devastating floods have affected several regions of Pakistan, with the death toll crossing 800.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side are facing off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

READ: Former captain questions Pakistan’s careless batting against Afghanistan

Some of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, including Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan and Shoaib Akhtar, will take the field in the upcoming Flood Relief Exhibition Match organised by Peshawar Zalmi in support of victims of the recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The fixture, scheduled for August 30 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, is being staged under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports) in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government.

The 22-member roster boasts a mix of current stars and legendary figures.

Alongside Afridi, Younis, and Akhtar, the lineup features Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, and Azhar Ali.

Former fast-bowling greats Waqar Younis and Mohammad Irfan, as well as all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, are also set to participate.

Fans can also expect a stellar spin department with Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, Abdul Rehman, and Zulfiqar Babar among those confirmed.

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Peshawar Zalmi will take on Legends XI in what promises to be one of the most high-profile charity fixtures seen in recent years.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly towards flood relief and rehabilitation efforts across the province.

Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi said the initiative reflects cricket’s power to unite in times of crisis.

“This is more than just a match – it is our duty to stand with those affected. Cricket has always been a unifying force, and through this event, we aim to turn passion into meaningful support,” he said.

Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jahan praised the initiative, calling it “a reflection of empathy and solidarity with those who have suffered due to the floods.”

Organisers expect the event to draw a full house, with fans not only witnessing a rare gathering of cricket icons but also contributing directly to rebuilding lives and communities.

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New Zealand cricketer Lockie Ferguson has revealed his top five Test bowlers of all time, including Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar.

Ferguson, speaking to an Indian outlet, highlighted his admiration for legendary quicks known for their pace and aggression.

His list also features Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, New Zealand’s Shane Bond, and West Indies great Curtly Ambrose, but notably, no Indian bowler.

“Shane Bond, Mitchell Johnson, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Curtly Ambrose,” Lockie Ferguson said, when asked about the bowlers he rated most highly.

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Wasim Akram retired in 2003, but his legacy still continues to earn global recognition.

Just recently, former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock slotted him at No. 7 in his all-time left-handers’ XI, which also included Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir and India’s Ravindra Jadeja.

Acclaimed as two of Pakistan’s deadliest fast bowlers, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar are celebrated for their sheer pace, swing, and ability to dominate batting line-ups, earning them recognition by Lockie Ferguson.

Wasim Akram, often called the “Sultan of Swing,” remains the second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 502 wickets in 356 matches, alongside 414 wickets in 104 Tests.

Shoaib Akhtar, the “Rawalpindi Express,” claimed 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs.

He still holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history, a blistering 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in 2003.

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Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has heaped high praise on Mohammad Amir, calling him the best fast bowler Pakistan has ever produced in terms of using his brain.

Shoaib, popularly known as the Rawalpindi Express, shared his insights during the post-match analysis show of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

He praised Amir’s skills while recalling a match between Australia and Pakistan.

“I was getting hammered by David Warner, but when Amir came on, Warner had no clue whether to go forward or back. He could not read Amir’s swing or pace,” Akhtar recalled.

Shoaib Akhtar emphasized Mohammad Amir’s talent when he was new to international cricket, while admitting that he was the best fast bowler Pakistan ever had.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“The quality Amir had back then is still the same today. Amir is the best fast bowler we have ever had when it comes to using his brain.”

“He understands field placements, match situations, and adapts accordingly. He knows exactly which line and length to bowl and how to set up the field to support his bowling, Shoaib added.

The Rawalpindi-born pacer emphasized Amir’s pre-match routine, noting that he has unique methods to enhance his skills.

“Amir always bowls three to four overs before every match, analysing his bowling during warm-up sessions. He does not follow the general team warm-up, instead, he has his own routine designed to sharpen his skills,” Shoaib further remarked.

At last, Shoaib Akhtar lamented the country’s talent management, while calling Mohammad Amir an asset to Pakistan.

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“The players are not bad—the management is. If you cannot understand the pain and needs of your players, you have no right to be in management,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Mohammad Amir retired from international cricket in December 2024 after playing for Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is. He is currently representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10.

READ: Former India captain calls to end cricketing ties with Pakistan

Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has made a strong case for the introduction of a new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise next season called ‘Pindi Express.’

Appearing on a PSL special show alongside fellow Rawalpindi product Sohail Tanvir, Akhtar didn’t hold back in lobbying for his hometown to finally get its own representation in the league.

With the PSL set to expand to eight teams from the next season, according to the league’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Salman Naseer, Akhtar believes the timing couldn’t be better.

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“The city breathes cricket,” said the world’s fastest bowler. “With the kind of talent Rawalpindi has produced over the years, it’s only fitting that it gets its own PSL team.”

And if it happens, Akhtar has already picked the name. “It has to be Pindi Express,” he declared. “You must vouch for this hashtag for me.”

Shoaib Akhtar, who famously clocked 161.3 km/h and earned the nickname Rawalpindi Express, said naming the team after his iconic moniker would be a tribute to his career but also to the city’s cricketing legacy.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Pindi is the city of princes,” he said. “It’s full of extraordinary talent.”

From himself to Mohammad Wasim and Haris Rauf, Rawalpindi has produced its fair share of world-class cricketers.

Not to mention the role the city has already played in the league, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has become a PSL favorite in recent years, known for its high-scoring thrillers and packed stands.

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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar shared an interesting advice for current players on handling hostile crowds.

While speaking during the PSL 10 special show, he emphasized that players should maintain calmness and composure during such interactions.

Akhtar also recalled his playing time, revealing that he had been banned four times for engaging in altercations with the crowd.

“I have fought with the crowd four times, and on those four occasions, I have been banned. It happens; you lose your temper, but it shouldn’t,” Akhtar admitted.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

When asked how to handle an aggressive crowd while fielding near the boundary, the pacer revealed that one should remain calm in such kind of situations. The Rawalpindi-born fast bowler also recalled the famous Kolkata Test between Pakistan and India.

“Put cotton [earbuds] in your ears. I have played a Test match in Kolkata, where one hundred thousand people in the stadium were abusing me,” he said.

“Not many things happen. You have to become a star in the next one or two balls. The public opinion is very fickle, and you as a (Player) should not rely on public opinion, ” he added.

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Shoaib Akhtar also advised players to refrain from confronting the spectators, noting that the crowd comes to watch and celebrate the players, ultimately making them stars. He further encouraged cricketers to channel negative energy into positive performance.

It is pertinent to mention that earlier in the month, an altercation between Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah and spectators during the third ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan in Mount Maunganui led to the ejection of two spectators from the venue.

Following the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement indicating that spectators were chanting anti-Pakistan slogans.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar reacts sharply to Mohammad Hafeez’s comments on 90s cricketers