COLOMBO – Shoaib Akhtar will retire from international cricket after the World Cup.
“Yes, he’s retiring after this World Cup. He will speak to the press shortly,” said team manager Intikhab Alam. Media reports said that he told his team mates of his decision on Thursday before training in Colombo ahead of Pakistan’s final Group A round robin match with Australia on Saturday, which could well decide who tops the group.
His emotional address to his team mates was followed by embraces by team mates and team staff. It is understood by observers here that fitness concerns were the reason for his exit. He is to hold a news conference later on Thursday. The “Rawalpindi Express” burst on to the scene as the fastest bowler of his generation even though he did not possess the cleanest of actions.
His long run up and the albatross-like celebration after every dismissal made him a spectators’ delight but his temperament often gave team management headaches. Ball-tampering allegations, numerous disciplinary issues, doping accusations and several other controversies and injuries never allowed him to fulfill his potential.
Since his debut against West Indies in 1997, the 35-year-old pace bowler featured in just 46 test matches, claiming 178 wickets at 25.69. He was more regular in shorter formats, having played 163 one-day internationals so far, claiming 247 wickets at 24.97.
