Let fast bowlers express themselves, they can't be tamed: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar recently spoke on the sad plight of modern day fast bowlers. He remarked that with the ICC drafting in new rules, the game is only curbing the natural emotions of a fast bowler. Akhtar maintained that if a fast bowler is not allowed to express himself, the game will only be left for the batsmen.

The former Pakistani cricketer said that the ICC is suffocating the bowlers by trying to control pacers with rules and regulations. He further added that the people wish to see fast bowlers vent out their aggression on the field. That is where the beauty of the game lies.

“Don’t try to suffocate the fast bowlers or the sport will lose its charm and following. People want to see fast bowlers run in and take wickets and show emotions. When you are trying your best for your team and running in huffing and puffing there will be emotions to be showed. What else to expect from a fast bowler,” remarked Shoaib Akhtar.

He further added that a pacer will instinctively react when he is hit for a four or a six. When he gets pumped up, that is when the actual competition with the bat and the ball starts. “I would say don’t try to restrict or restrain a fast bowler who should be allowed to express himself. If a fast bowler is hit around he will react and that is the pinnacle of the contest between bat and ball. This is real cricket,” quoted the former cricketer.

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Shoaib Akhtar, who has been one of the best fast bowling components in cricket history, cited the examples of pacers from the past. He said that they were not chained by any rules and hence came up with fiery stuff on the field.

“There are too many restrictions and codes on players (s) to show their emotions. Emotions run high in any sport. People still remember the great fast men of the 60s, 70s and 80s because they were not chained by rules and regulations and were not afraid to express themselves. It was player versus player and fewer laws to suffocate players,” mentioned Akhtar.

“It is the beauty of being a fast bowler who cannot be tamed,” he added. Commenting on the Pakistani pacers struggling in New Zealand in pace friendly conditions, Akhtar said that it is only expected. Having played on dead rubbers in UAE, they have worn out. “They have become used to play on flat and low bounce tracks in UAE,” he conceded.