OTD | One of the fastest bowlers of all time, Shoaib Akhtar, was born in 1975

On August 13, 1975, the world witnessed the birth of one of cricket’s most electrifying figures, Shoaib Akhtar, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Akhtar’s career was as unpredictable and explosive as the deliveries he unleashed on the pitch, making him a legend in the cricketing world.

From the very beginning, Akhtar was not one to follow the conventional path. His journey to becoming one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history was anything but smooth. He dropped out of college to pursue his passion, even going as far as to attend trials for the PIA team’s Karachi division by riding on the roof of a bus because he couldn’t afford the fare. This determination and unconventional approach became a hallmark of Akhtar’s career.

Akhtar’s rise to international fame began in the early 1990s. After making his mark in domestic cricket, it wasn’t long before the Pakistan Cricket Board recognized his potential. In 1996, he was selected for the Pakistan A team’s tour of England, a significant stepping stone in his career. However, his early international performances were inconsistent, with his true potential only becoming evident during Pakistan’s tour of India in 1999.

Iconic performance at Eden Gardens

It was in the iconic setting of Eden Gardens, Kolkata, that Akhtar announced himself to the world. In a single over that would go down in cricketing folklore, he dismissed Indian legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. 

The sight of Tendulkar’s stumps being shattered by a ferocious yorker is still etched in the memories of cricket fans. It was this match that established Akhtar as one of the fastest and most fearsome bowlers in the game.

Despite his undeniable talent, Akhtar’s career was plagued by injuries and controversies. His ability to bowl at blistering speeds, even clocking 161.3 km/h during the 2003 World Cup, was often overshadowed by his off-field antics. 

From altercations with teammates and coaches to allegations of ball tampering and substance abuse, Akhtar was rarely out of the headlines. His frequent run-ins with the Pakistan Cricket Board and his teammates, including a public spat with captain Waqar Younis, further tarnished his career.

Yet, when fit and focused, Akhtar was a force of nature. His performances, like the hat-trick against Sri Lanka in the 2002 Lahore Test and a match-winning 4 for 11 for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2009 IPL, were nothing short of spectacular. These moments of brilliance, however, were often separated by long periods of absence due to injury or suspension.

By the time Akhtar retired, he had amassed 178 Test wickets and 247 ODI wickets. His legacy, though, is not just in the numbers but in the fear he instilled in batsmen around the world and the excitement he brought to the fans. Post-retirement, Akhtar has transitioned into a career as a commentator, where his outspoken nature continues to make headlines.

Also read: Former West Indies bowler Pedro Collins was born in 1976

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