๐ Shoaib Akhtar – Career Overview
๐จ Fastest Delivery in Cricket History
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161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)
Date: February 22, 2003
Match: Pakistan vs England, World Cup 2003, Cape Town
๐ Recognized by ICC as the fastest officially recorded delivery in cricket.
๐ Major Achievements
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Only bowler to have officially broken the 100 mph barrier.
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Played key roles in 1999 Cricket World Cup and 2002/03 series against top teams.
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Known for fierce pace, reverse swing, and aggression.
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Ended career at the 2011 ICC World Cup.
๐ฌ Biopic – Rawalpindi Express: Shoaib Akhtar
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Title: Rawalpindi Express – Running Against The Odds
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Type: Biopic film on Shoaib Akhtar’s life
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Status: Originally announced for release in 2023, but later delayed due to legal and production issues.
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Directed by: Muhammad Faraz Qaiser
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Produced by: Q Film Productions
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Cast (initially announced): Umair Jaswal (as Shoaib Akhtar) — later withdrew from the role.
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Plot Summary: Chronicles Shoaib’s journey from a humble background in Rawalpindi to becoming the world’s fastest bowler, covering his struggles, controversies, and rise to fame.
๐ Autobiography
Title: Controversially Yours (Published 2011)
In his book, Shoaib shares behind-the-scenes stories of his cricketing career, clashes with teammates and the PCB, and his thoughts on modern cricket.
๐ Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Bowling | 5-wicket hauls | Economy | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 46 | 178 | 25.69 | 6/11 | 12 | 3.37 | Key spells vs Australia, England, India |
| ODIs | 163 | 247 | 24.97 | 6/16 | 4 | 4.76 | 1999 WC heroics, multiple match-winning spells |
| T20Is | 15 | 19 | 22.73 | 3/38 | 0 | 7.57 | Early contributor in T20 format |
| First-Class (overall) | 133 | 467 | 26.31 | 8/29 | 23 | – | Long domestic career |
๐ Shoaib Akhtar’s Retirement from Cricket
๐ When Did He Retire?
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Announced retirement: March 17, 2011
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During: The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh).
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Final international match:
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Date: March 8, 2011
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Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand (World Cup group stage)
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He did not play in the semifinal against India, which effectively marked his last appearance.
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๐ค Retirement Announcement
Shoaib announced his retirement at a press conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, saying:
“This World Cup is my last tournament. I have given everything in my career, and I think it’s time to move on.”
He expressed his gratitude to fans and teammates and acknowledged the physical toll his body had taken after years of injuries.
๐ฉบ Reason for Retirement
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Chronic injuries – Persistent knee and hamstring problems plagued the later years of his career.
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Fitness issues – Despite bursts of brilliance, he struggled to maintain match fitness.
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Age and workload – At 35, he felt it was time to make way for younger pacers.
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Selection challenges – His relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was often strained, and he was no longer a guaranteed starter.
๐️ After Retirement
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Became a cricket analyst and commentator for major networks (Star Sports, PTV Sports, etc.).
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Launched his YouTube channel (hugely popular across South Asia).
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Involved in motivational speaking and sports commentary.
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Continues to share opinions on Pakistan cricket, fitness, and pace bowling.
๐ Legacy
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Regarded as one of the most feared and entertaining fast bowlers in cricket history.
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Inspired a generation of young Pakistani pacers (e.g., Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf).
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Remembered for his raw pace, fiery attitude, and unforgettable battles — especially against India, Australia, and England
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