'What if': Shoaib Akhtar expresses big 'Imran Khan' regret
Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Tests during his international career, which ended during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed remorse over not having played under the leadership of former captain Imran Khan during his career. In an interview on Geo TV, the 51-year-old claimed that playing under Imran could have allowed him to take 400 wickets in Test cricket, as he currently stands at 178 wickets in 46 Tests.
Shoaib's remarks come after his international career concluded at the 2011 World Cup in India, amid reported tensions with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. His first-class record, however, stands at over 400 wickets. Shoaib debuted for Pakistan against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, his hometown, but initially faced reluctance from Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who had doubts about the timing of his debut.
Despite the challenges, Shoaib and Wasim shared a complex relationship, marked by admiration and disagreements, and both played key roles in several notable performances, including the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England. Shoaib also shared his physical regimen to maintain fitness and recover from injuries, including waking up three hours before everyone else, cycling, and attending gym sessions, all while dealing with knee issues.
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- 'Difficult for Pakistan to handle': Shoaib Akhtar warns Babar Azam-led side timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- 'What if': Shoaib Akhtar expresses big 'Imran Khan' regret, reflects on career sports.yahoo.com
