‘I’ll make them tearaway fast bowlers’ - Shoaib Akhtar keen on grooming young Pakistan pacers

Over the years, the cricket world has witnessed many prominent speedsters, but not many have been faster than Shoaib Akhtar. Hailed as the Rawalpindi Express, the former Pakistan pacer has given sleepless nights to many batting stars with his thunderbolts. In fact, Akhtar also holds the record of delivering the fastest bowl in international cricket, 161.3 kmph vs England in 2003.

While the talismanic bowler is no more an active cricketer, he’s determined to groom young Pakistan pacers. In an interaction, Akhtar said that he wants to teach Pakistan youngsters how to become tearaway fast bowlers. The 45-year-old also opined that players nowadays are more focused on gyming. Hence, he wants to give them the proper instructions on how to set the speed gun on fire.

Whenever I’ll get the chance, I’ll teach Pakistan fast bowlers: Shoaib Akhtar

“They are focusing too much on gym work but whenever I’ll get the chance, we’ll teach them what to do, what is a tearaway fast bowler, and how to become one. Whenever I’ll get the chance, I’ll do it. I’ll make them tear away fast bowler,” Akhtar said in a conversation with Farhan Nisar’s on his YouTube channel.

The former Pakistan paceman, who has 444 international wickets on his name, further asserted that a fast bowler needs a certain kind of attitude to thrive. “Every single thing comes with attitude. When your attitude will be right and positive, your energy will be spent on the right things, then obviously you’ll get there. When there is talent and right attitude, obviously you’ll go places,” he added.

Pakistan’s current pace attack looks quite formidable with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain in the ranks. All these players can consistently bowl over 140 km/h and have even shown their prowess at the highest level. However, these fast bowlers are fairly new in international cricket, and it would be interesting to see if anyone can break Akhtar’s 161 km/h barrier.

Meanwhile, all Pakistan players are gearing up for the remaining season of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021. The T20 tournament was suspended midway in March due to the COVID-19 virus. Hence, PCB has moved the competition to UAE. However, dark clouds are still looming over PSL 2021, with the resumption date unclear.