Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar, born in Rawalpindi in the year 1975, was brought up to be fast bowler! He showed his skill in the 1999 World Cup with a long, hurtling run-up and a mind boggling speed. In a smilar fashion did he aquire his nichname-the ‘Rawalpindi Express’. A huge ego and his blind ambition to break the 100mph barrier seemed to matter more to him than cementing his place in the Pakistan side. In November 2006, he copped a two-year ban for using the banned substance, Nandrolone, but he was reprieved on appeal to the international drugs agencies. It was the latest, but by no means the only, controversy in his career. The authorities twice sidelined him over throwing allegations and although his action was cleared, courtesy of hyperextensible joints and the University of Western Australia, injuries created fresh doubts over his international future.

However, he channelled his resources far better in 2002, turning in two of the most blistering bowling efforts of the year, both against Australia. First, he blitzed them with a spell of 5 for 25 in a one-dayer at Brisbane, and then returned 5 for 21 in a spectacular performance in Colombo that all but won the Test. The 2003 World Cup was far more disappointing, though. Dropped after the World Cup, Shoaib roared back to form on the tour to New Zealand. Then he had a controversy after a match with India. Not only did he struggle for wickets, he also left the field at a crucial stage of the third Test citing wrist injury and back pain, though neither injury seemed to bother him when he came out to bat.

The series began a period in which Shoaib’s career came under its gravest threat. Comments and news about his commitment were uplifted and a difficult relationship with Inzamam and Bob Woolmer the coach didn’t make matters easier.Then came the Australia tour in which a hamstring injury cut short that effort of his fitness and commitment.

But he came back against England, finishing with 17 wickets and proving the difference between the two sides. As well as being at the peak of his powers – a mixture of deadly slower balls, yorkers and bouncers – Shoaib looked a team man to the core.
Shoaib returned against South Africa in Durban in 2006-07, having not been picked for the series initially, took 4 for 36 in 11 overs, set up a Test win, strained a hamstring, argued with coach Bob Woolmer, and returned to Pakistan.
He was in Pakistan’s squad for the 2007 World Cup, but his participation was pending, on the fitness front and due to his problems with the management.