I know its been long time coming but still its so sad to hear that possibly the last of Pakistan great fast bowlers is going to retire after the world cup... Surely one of the fastest ever bowlers and a truly charismatic character: Shoaib Akhtar has called the upcoming World Cup his last, claiming it to be the "defining moment" of Pakistan cricket and perhaps of his own career. In a characteristically free-wheeling chat, Shoaib reaffirmed that he wanted to stay fit throughout, and end the tournament with the trophy in hand. "Is this the twilight of my career? Yes. It is very special, playing in the sub-continent's World Cup," Shoaib said in Dhaka. "I am not sure about how long I'm going to be playing, but I will try to make sure it is full of memories". "My personal target is to play every match and to leave 45-50 days after winning the World Cup," Shoaib said. "Obviously there's a huge difference between being 26 and 36. I have experience now but at the same time, I'm still bowling very quick, touching 145-150 kph easily." Shoaib used several adjectives to describe the Pakistan team ranging from "dangerous", "the most balanced" and the one having the cause it needs, but what stood out was him using the word "hurt" to describe the side. "Obviously we are a very hurt side, whatever has happened in the last year or so. Pakistan needs a situation to gather themselves, and playing in India and Sri Lanka in the quarterfinals, that is going to really motivate us. I think the crowds, the situation, what happened to us, whatever the team has been through for the last six-seven months, that will inspire us. We are a very dangerous side but a very hurt side." "We need to win at any cost, the team needs a situation, and what better situation than the World Cup. I think this is a defining moment for Pakistani cricket. Shoaib's personal motivation for this tournament comes from proving people wrong, not just about himself, but the team too. "I wish Mohammad Amir was playing right now, I would have retired easily but it is not happening. That's what motivates me to come and play my last World Cup. I want people to realize that still, very honourable people play for our country." On the field, Shoaib said that Pakistan's ability to swing the new and old ball both ways is their strong point. "The main advantage for us is reverse swing, that's where I think Pakistan team's strength lies. We have the best combination of reverse swing and new-ball fast bowlers. I think we can manage to put it out right," Shoaib said, adding that the slow nature of the wickets might yet hamper the fast bowlers but will assist the batsmen. Of his possible duel with his old nemesis Sachin Tendulkar, Shoaib confirmed that he hasn't lost sight of the rivalry or of taking the important wickets. The 2009 World Twenty20 triumph was perfect for the situation at the time in Pakistan, but Shoaib firmly believed that if they can do the job again this time, it could provide the people back home with more than just heroes or a trophy. "Pakistan needs to win this World Cup to bring back cricket to Pakistan, the charm back to the country. People of Pakistan are missing cricket, they are dying to watch players from all over the world playing against Pakistan." World Cup 2011: World Cup defining moment for Pakistan - Shoaib | Cricket News | ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 | ESPN Cricinfo
Guys watch this video... does it get you going or what? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7z3ITgF2-0]YouTube - WorldCup Matches Cannot be Played in PAKISTAN -But World "CUP" Could Be In PAKISTAN[/ame]
Good video.... We have the underdog advantage in this WC. So it will work in our favour as it always has.
The guy's fitness is going to be the biggest issue in soaring Lankan heat! Well actually everyone's fitness will be tested as it's not gonna be easy! Won't want him to play in each and every game as he said as we may mostly need him in big games against bigger oppositions! Lets hope he can perform though in the warm up games coming up for Pak in the next few days to show some fitness for the WC!
I think if we want to make the most of him then he needs to play against Aus, Sri, NZ. With Junaid/Wahab taking his place against Ken, Can, Zim... But if need be then he should also play against Zim since they can give any good side a headache on their day. P.S. anyone banking on Akhtar as man of tournament?
What a career he has had. Its like a see-saw. Loads of highs and even more lows. He had so much talent but wasn't wise enough to use that talent to good effect. Although recently he looks a different man with a positive approach towards his game. This will be his last tournament and he will be desperate to shine, All I can say is Inshallah he does well. He has the talent to do so.
only 2 controversies. One of the performace drug and the other one was when he fought with Asif) Nasim Ashraf was the one who ruined his career.
AKHTER = ONE MAN ARMY.... simply the best bowler pakistan produced after wasim n waqar.... i think he didnt achieve wot he should have... NASIM Ashraf the one who killed his careeer... as well as Inzy.... becuz they never realised that he is a born superstar.... wotever he will do he will make fans and media go crazyy... a larger than life guy... when he fought wid ASIF i thot it wud have been his fault but now I realised that it could have been tat Damn idiot ASIF.... Of AKHTER how can any one forgets his toe breaking yorkers... the match againt mighty australian when he took 5 wickets in 15 balls.... when he bowled VVS laxman of a full toss... Laxman said he didn't see the ball at all.... hahahah memories... but i want him to bow out like a real gentlemen..
Shoaib Akhtar is a legend. world cricket will definetly miss him. Hope he changes his mind about retiring and plays till the 2015 world cup.
Nothing better than watching a certain Shoaib Akhtar steaming in full tilt, making the batsmen hop all around the crease just with sheer pace. However those days are now over and we shall look forward to his last hurrah, World Cup 2011
Also worth mentioning that it is Brett Lee's probably last World Cup too. Its a massively debated argument but... Who do you think is better Akhtar or Lee in their careers?
