Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has praised former captain Imran Khan for his approach to cricket and leadership.
Speaking during a programme, Akhtar called Imran Khan a “selfless” cricketer. He said that Khan always focused on helping Pakistan win instead of seeking personal fame.
Akhtar also spoke about Khan’s influence on him during his playing career. He praised his strong commitment and desire to win for the country.
According to Akhtar, Imran Khan placed the team’s success above his own achievements. He said this quality made Khan an important figure for Pakistani cricketers.
Pakistan’s first World Cup title in 1992
Imran Khan led Pakistan to its first World Cup title in 1992. Many fans believe that his leadership and winning mindset have continued to influence generations of cricketers.
Akhtar’s comments also highlight the former captain’s lasting impact on Pakistan cricket and his legacy as one of the country’s most influential cricket captains.
‘Imran Khan could have made me a better bowler’
Shoaib Akhtar also believes that he could have taken 400 Test wickets if he had played under Imran Khan earlier in his career.
Speaking on a programme, Shoaib said Imran’s leadership could have helped him become a better Test bowler.
He pointed to his first-class career in which he took more than 400 wickets. Shoaib said he would have learned a lot from Imran if he had worked with him earlier.
“If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan, I would have learnt a lot, and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket,” Shoaib said.
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Shoaib Akhtar’s legacy
Shoaib made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rawalpindi. Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had some doubts about giving him his debut at that time.
Shoaib and Akram later had a complicated relationship during their careers. They shared some good moments but also had disagreements.
Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Test matches during his international career. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is. His international career ended during the 2011 World Cup in India.
The two fast bowlers were part of Pakistan’s bowling attack during important matches. They played together during the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England. Pakistan reached the final of the tournament but lost to Australia at Lord’s.
What physical problems did Shoaib Akhtar have to face?
Shoaib also spoke about the physical problems he faced during his career. He played international cricket from 1997 to 2011 and often dealt with injuries.
The former fast bowler said he had to follow a strict fitness routine to stay ready for matches. He also suffered from serious knee problems.
“I had to wake up three hours before everyone else. I had to cycle first, then go to the gym,” Shoaib recalled.
He said his knees would sometimes lock up. He would then have fluid removed from them and use medicine and ice to manage the problem.