Shoaib to retire after WCup
Source: Agencies |
March 18, 2011, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PAKISTAN pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar will retire after the World Cup, closing one of the most colorful careers in the sport.
Shoaib, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express for his ability to bowl at high pace, has been one of the most feared fast bowlers since making his debut in 1997 and at the age of 35, feels it is the right time to bow out,
"With this announcement it feels like it's my first death," he told reporters yesterday as Pakistan geared up for its final Group A match against Australia tomorrow.
"I have taken this decision after much thought. Pakistan's last match in this World Cup will also be my last. I hope that will be the final on April 2. "I would have loved to continue, perhaps forever, but I must make way for the youngsters to take over," he said in Colombo after the training session.
Clad in a black suit with a light blue shirt, Shoaib was in a pensive mood throughout the press conference.
"I can't say I don't have any regrets," he said. "I had decided two years back (when I) was going through knee surgery. But I wanted to be with the team when it was going through a difficult time.
"I was planning this for quite some time, right now is the best time. What I'm going to do next, I'm going to tell you at my next press conference. I'll spend time with my family."
During the New Zealand match, he clearly showed his disappointment after wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped centurion match winner Ross Taylor twice off his sixth over when the batsman was on zero and eight.
Coach Waqar Younis has said that Shoaib should be used for matches sparingly as he is in his mid 30s.
"I'm working hard, training hard for (upcoming) matches," an emotional Shoaib said.
"If I get a chance, I will give my best, but looking forward for what comes up. I will double my fitness onwards for this World Cup."
Shoaib 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 he defied many a coach to persist with that - 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, hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat in 2007, doping accusations and several other controversies and injuries took the focus away from his often devastating bowling.
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