COLOMBO, (Reuters) – Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar will retire from international cricket after the World Cup, closing one of the most colourful careers in the sport.
Shoaib, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express for his ability to bowl at high pace, has been one of the most feared fast bowlers since making his debut in 1997 and at the age of 35, feels it is the right time to bow out,
“With this announcement it feels like it’s my first death,” he told reporters yesterday as Pakistan geared up for their final Group A match against Australia tomorrow.
“I have taken this decision after much thought.
“Pakistan’s last match in this World Cup will also be my last. I hope that will be the final on April 2.
“I would have loved to continue, perhaps forever, but I must make way for the youngsters to take over, “ he added at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo after the training session.
Clad in a black suit with a light blue shirt, Akhtar was in a pensive mood throughout the press conference.
“I can’t say I don’t have any regrets,” he said. “I had decided two years back (when I) was going through knee surgery. But I wanted to be with the team when it was going through a difficult time.
“I was planning this for quite some time, right now is the best time. What I’m going to do next, I’m going to tell you at my next press conference. I’ll spend time with my family.”
USED SPARINGLY
Akhtar was replaced by fast bowler Wahab Riaz for Pakistan’s last match against Zimbabwe.
He had conceded 70 runs in nine overs in the 1992 champions’ game against New Zealand, which his team lost by 110 runs.
During the New Zealand match, he clearly showed his disappointment after wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped centurion match winner Ross Taylor twice off his sixth over when the batsman was on zero and eight.
The team coach Waqar Younis said after their seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Monday that Akhtar should be used for matches sparingly as he is in his mid 30s.
“I’m working hard, training hard for (upcoming) matches,” an emotional Akhtar said. “If I get a chance, I will give my best, but looking forward for what comes up. I will double my fitness onwards for this World Cup.”
Shoaib burst on to the scene as the fastest bowler of his generation even though he did not possess the cleanest of actions.
His long run up — and he defied many a coach to persist with that — and the albatross-like celebration after every dismissal made him a spectators’ delight but his temperament often gave team management headaches.
Ball-tampering allegations, numerous disciplinary issues, hitting team mate Mohammad Asif with a bat in 2007, doping accusations and several other controversies and injuries took the focus away from his often devastating bowling.
Since his debut against West Indies in 1997, the paceman featured in just 46 test matches, claiming 178 wickets and he was perceived as vulnerable to the rigours of the game’s longer version.
He was more of a regular in shorter formats, having played 163 one-day internationals so far, claiming 247 wickets.
His obsession with pace was often perceived as detrimental to the team’s cause, especially his long run-up which often put Pakistan at risk of penalty for their slow over rate.
For most part of his career, Akhtar was not considered a team man and was rather portrayed as the problem child of Pakistan cricket with a penchant for night life.
Many observers felt, however, that this World Cup had shown a new, improved attitude from a maturing Shoaib.
“My message to youngsters is don’t give up, don’t give in to the pressure,” Akhtar said at the end of the press conference.
He was embraced by Pakistan journalists, who thanked him for his service to the team and the country.
