Shoaib Akhtar is a former Pakistani cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. He was born on August 13, 1975 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
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Early Life and Career
Akhtar began his cricket career at a young age, playing for various local and regional teams in Pakistan. He made his first-class debut for Rawalpindi in 1995, and quickly established himself as a promising young talent.
International Career
Akhtar made his international debut for the Pakistan cricket team in 1997, and quickly became known for his express pace and ability to generate swing with the ball. Over the course of his career, he played in 46 Test matches and 163 One Day Internationals (ODIs), representing Pakistan in all three formats of the game.
Highlights
Some of the highlights of Akhtar’s career include his performance in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where he helped lead Pakistan to the semifinals, and his memorable spell of fast bowling against India in the 2004 Test series. He was also the first bowler in the history of cricket to bowl at over 100 mph, and holds the record for the fastest delivery ever recorded in an international match.
Controversies
Despite his impressive cricketing achievements, Akhtar’s career was also marred by controversy. He was known for his aggressive behavior on the field and often clashed with teammates and opponents. In addition, he was banned from international cricket on several occasions for disciplinary reasons, including a ban for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Retirement
Akhtar retired from international cricket in 2011, but continued to play in various domestic and international leagues until his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2013.
Legacy
Akhtar will always be remembered as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game, and his contributions to Pakistani cricket will not be forgotten. Despite his controversies, he is still widely respected and admired by fans and players alike for his skill and passion for the game.