Shoaib Akhtar

Infobox cricketer biography
playername = Shoaib Akhtar


country = Pakistan
fullname = Shoaib Akhtar
nickname = The Rawalpindi Express
living = true
dayofbirth = 13
monthofbirth = 8
yearofbirth = 1975
placeofbirth = Rawalpindi
countryofbirth = Pakistan
heightft =
heightinch =
heightm =
batting = Right-handed
bowling = Right arm fast
role = Bowler
international = true
testdebutdate = 29 November
testdebutyear = 1997
testdebutagainst = West Indies
testc

lasttestdate = 8 December
lasttestyear = 2007
lasttestagainst = India
odidebutdate = 28 March
odidebutyear = 1998
odidebutagainst = Zimbabwe
odic

lastodidate = 15 November
lastodiyear = 2007
lastodiagainst = India
odishirt =
deliveries = balls
columns = 4
column1 = Tests
matches1 = 46
runs1 = 544
bat avg1 = 10.07
100s/50s1 = 0/0
top score1 = 47
deliveries1 = 8,143
wickets1 = 178
bowl avg1 = 25.69
fivefor1 = 12
tenfor1 = 2
best bowling1 = 6/11
catches/stumpings1 = 12/–
column2 = ODI
matches2 = 138
runs2 = 345
bat avg2 = 9.58
100s/50s2 = 0/0
top score2 = 43
deliveries2 = 6,558
wickets2 = 219
bowl avg2 = 23.19
fivefor2 = 4
tenfor2 = n/a
best bowling2 = 6/16
catches/stumpings2 = 17/–
column3 = FC
matches3 = 130
runs3 = 1,619
bat avg3 = 12.26
100s/50s3 = 0/1
top score3 = 59*
deliveries3 = 20,043
wickets3 = 451
bowl avg3 = 26.69
fivefor3 = 28
tenfor3 = 2
best bowling3 = 6/11
catches/stumpings3 = 40/–
column4 = LA
matches4 = 182
runs4 = 733
bat avg4 = 11.82
100s/50s4 = 0/1
top score4 = 56
deliveries4 = 8,688
wickets4 = 288
bowl avg4 = 23.53
fivefor4 = 6
tenfor4 = n/a
best bowling4 = 6/16
catches/stumpings4 = 28/–
date = 20 September
year = 2008
source = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/5/5634/5634.html CricketArchive

Shoaib Akhtar (Urdu: Nastaliq|شعیب اختر) (born 13 August 1975 in Rawalpindi, Punjab) is a Pakistani cricketer, and is the fastest bowler in the world, earning him the name "Rawalpindi Express". He set a world record by clocking 100mph twice. His ability to bowl fast yorkers, well disguised slow balls, swinging deliveries, and sharp bouncers made him lethal even on dead pitches.

However, he has never been far from controversy, often accused of not being a team player. Shoaib was sent back home from a tour in Australia in 2005. A year later he was embroiled in a drug scandal after testing positive for a banned substance. However, the ban imposed on him was lifted on appeal. In September 2007, Shoaib was banned by the PCB for an indefinite period for the alleged brawl with his team-mate Mohammad Asif. [cite news
url = http://in.sports.yahoo.com/070907/139/6kgvi.html
title = PCB bans Shoaib Akhtar for an indefinite period] On 1 April 2008 Shoaib was banned for five years for publicly criticizing the policies of the Pakistan Cricket Board. [ [http://ibnlive.com/news/shoaib-akhtar-gets-5year-ban-for-foul-delivery---its-unfair/62443-5.html Shoaib Akhtar gets 5-year ban for foul delivery | It's unfair] ] As of October 2008, the Lahore High Court has suspended the 5 year ban till the hearing for the case takes place and Shoaib has been named in the 15-man squad for the Twenty20 Quadrangular Tournament in Canada. [cite news
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/372804.html
title = Shoaib in for Canada, not Yousuf]

Early Years

Shoaib was born at Morgah, a small town near Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. His father was a worker in Attock Oil Refinery, Morgah. Shoaib started his studies at Elliott High School, Morgah and then took admission in the Asghar Mall College, Rawalpindi. There he was given the chance to show off his talent and consequently come into the limelight.

Performances

Shoaib's run of impressive performances started in 1999 in a pre-World Cup series against India when he shot to prominence. It was followed by outstanding bowling displays in Sharjah and later in 1999 Cricket World Cup. His memorable performance came in India in 1999 when, as a newcomer to the Pakistan team, he took eight wickets in the Asian Test championship match at Calcutta – including the wickets of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid off successive deliveries. This was Shoaib's first encounter with Sachin Tendulkar in which Shoaib bowled him for the first ball he delivered to Sachin.

In 2002-03 he played leading roles in Pakistan's wins over South Africa and New Zealand in home and away series. Later in 2005 he fared a spirited bowling attack against Australia. The 2003 World Cup was a huge disappointment especially given the hype, after which he was dropped from the team. He came back in the team with a bang in the 2004 series against New Zealand, but struggled in a lost series against India in 2004. The series ended with a controversy when he left the field citing an injury leading to suspicions by the captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, about his commitment. As a result, his relationship with Inzamam-ul-Haq and the coach Bob Woolmer deteriorated. A medical panel set up by PCB to investigate the nature of his injury, however, dispelled all suspicions. [cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/140776.html | title = Bone scan puts Akhtar in the clear | accessdate = 2006-04-10 ]

In 2005, Shoaib regained his reputation as a potent bowler for his side. Playing in a three-Test home series against England, he made a series of impressive bowling efforts on lifeless pitches. His effective use of slower ball proved to be unplayable by English batsmen. He emerged as the highest wicket taker of the series with seventeen wickets. His performance was also acknowledged by the English captain Michael Vaughan, who remarked "I thought he (Shoaib) was a big difference between the two teams". [cite web | year = 2004 | url = http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/228332.html | title = Vaughan - Batsmen to blame | accessdate = 2006-04-10 ] He is also known as the bowler who broke the 100 mph barrier in cricket bowling history. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW_Bhhh11DI 100.2 mph.] Shoaib's delivery at 161.4 km/h (100.2mph) stands as the fastest recorded to date.

On October 29 2007, Akhtar made his comeback from his 13-match ban and performed well, taking 4-43 against South Africa in the fifth and deciding ODI in Lahore. Subsequently, he was included in the 16-man Pakistan squad for the 2007 tour of India, which he completed successfully without further incident.

County cricket

Shoaib has played for three counties in English county cricket: Somerset (2001), Durham (2003 and 2004) and Worcestershire (2005). He did have his moments of success (for example, taking 5-35 for Durham against Somerset in the National League in 2003, and claiming 6-16 in the same competition for Worcestershire against Glamorgan two years later) but he also suffered from fitness problems, as well as a perception that he was less than interested in his task. This was particularly the case at Worcestershire: chairman John Elliott said "Players like that are no good to our club. In fact, Shoaib has been no good for any club he's been at. He's a superstar and just does what he wants." [cite web | url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wisdencricketer/content/current/story/295629.html | title=Dodgy overseas signings | author=Steve Pittard and John Stern | date=2007-05-24 | accessdate=2007-05-24 | publisher=Cricinfo]

Indian Premier League

Shoaib made a strong comeback in his first game in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Delhi Daredevils. Defending a low score of 133, Shoaib took four top order wickets which ultimately led to the Daredevils being restricted to 110. He ended with figures of 3-0-11-4, a performance which earned him the player of the match award. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ipl/engine/match/336017.html Indian Premier League - 35th match, Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Daredevils] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-14.] [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/story/350889.html Shoaib leads Delhi drubbing] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-14.] Shoaib denied that he had any point to prove with his performance, stating, "I just wanted to win the game." Knight Riders' captain Sourav Ganguly also acknowledged Shoaib's performance, "He came to the country with lots [of things] happening behind him...But he showed a lot of character." [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/story/350924.html I have no point to prove - Shoaib] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-14.]

International Bowling Records

Test Five-wicket innings

Controversies and Injuries

Shoaib's career has been plagued with injuries, controversies, and accusations of bad attitude. After shooting to stardom at a young age due to his devastating pace, he became more interested in glamour rather than cementing his career. Although he eventually crossed the 100mph barrier, his attitude took its toll on his reputation as well as his fitness. After a poor showing in the 2003 World Cup, he got involved in a verbal spat with then captain Waqar Younis. Later he was axed along with other players, including Younis. In a triangular series in 2003 in Sri Lanka, he was caught tampering with the ball, making him the second player ever to be banned on ball tampering charges. The same year he was banned for one Test and two ODIs for abusing Paul Adams in a match against South Africa. In the 2004 home series with India, he struggled with wrist and back injuries, which raised questions about their authenticity. During the final Test he cited injury and chose not to bowl halfway through but was met with raised eyebrows when he later turned up to bat, apparently enjoying himself. Although his injuries were not proved to be fake, his reputation suffered, especially after Haq's outburst in a post match press conference. His relationship with the captain and the coach deteriorated further partially due to his manipulative nature and partially due to politics.

He was sent back from the 2005 Australia tour with a hamstring injury amid rumors of indiscipline, lack of commitment, and attitudinal complaints. He was subsequently fined by the PCB for avoiding a late night curfew. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200502/s1305514.htm ABC Sport - Cricket - Pakistan's Akhtar fined for Australian disco jaunt ] ] At this point, once loved Shoaib was reviled alike by teammates, opponents and cricket fans. The rest of his career was riddled with ankle and knee injuries which forced him to undergo a surgery in February 2006, until finally he was banned for two years for using performance enhancing drugs.

In November 2006, the liaison officer assigned to the Pakistani team in India, Anil Kaul, alleged that Shoaib had slapped coach Bob Woolmer following a fight over the music to be played in the team bus on the eve of ICC Champions Trophy. Both Shoaib and Woolmer have, however, strongly denied the allegations. [ [http://cricket.indiatimes.com/articleshow/374409.cms Shoaib slapped coach Woolmer over i-Pod song - News - News - Indiatimes Cricket ] ]

Drug Scandal

On October 16, 2006, Shoaib was suspended by the PCB, along with Mohammed Asif after the pair were tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance nandrolone. [ [http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/iccct2006/content/current/story/263238.html Cricinfo - Asif and Akhtar to return home ] ] They were consequently pulled from the ICC Champions Trophy 2006. [cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20589658-23212,00.html |title=Shoaib returns positive test |date=2006-10-16 |author=Staff writers and wires |work=FOX SPORTS Australia] Former PCB chairman later stated that he had always suspected Shoaib of substance abuse due to his consistent "reservations" to drug tests. [ [http://cricket.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2191504.cms Shoaib never co-operated for dope tests: Shaharyar - News - News - Indiatimes Cricket ] ] Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq had also previously complained about Shoaib's drug abuse but was not acted upon by the PCB. [http://paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?158859 Pakistan News Service - PakTribune ] ] Pakistan news reports state that federal capital police had arrested Shoaib along with drugs some three years ago. Shoaib was then reportedly seen participating in the smoking of marijuana at a night club, violating the curfew for the team in their test series against England.

Shoaib immediately declared his innocence and he declined knowingly taking any performance enhancing drugs. In a statement issued to the press, he claimed that he could never cheat team-mates or opponents. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6054724.stm BBC SPORT | Cricket | Shocked Shoaib protests innocence ] ] During a hearing with the PCB Anti-Doping Committee (ADC), he along with Asif maintained taking non-steroidal dietary supplements. [ [http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/266665.html Cricinfo - Sad but we had to make an example of Shoaib - Alam ] ] He, however, failed to convince the committee of his innocence. In its report submitted to PCB, ADC recommended a two year ban. [ [http://www.pcboard.com.pk/Pakistan/Articles/5/5298.html Pakistan Cricket Board - official website ] ]

On November 1, 2006, PCB handed down a two-year suspension to Shoaib and a one-year suspension to Mohammad Asif, banning them from professional cricket during the period. [ [http://uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/266573.html Cricinfo - Shoaib and Asif banned for drugs use ] ] Shoaib had subsequently been added to Pakistan Olympic Association list of doping offenders. [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3847919a10133,00.html] However, on December 5, 2006, he was cleared on appeal. [ [http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/australia/content/current/story/271241.html Cricinfo - Shoaib and Asif acquitted ] ]

Acquittal

On December 5 2006 Shoaib and Mohammad Asif were acquitted by the tribunal appointed to review their appeals against the drugs ban imposed on them by an earlier committee. The three-man committee, headed by Justice Fakhruddin Ebrahim, voted two to one in favour of the acquittal. Haseeb Ahsan, former Test cricketer, and Ebrahim were in favour of the acquittal while the third member, Danish Zaheer, dissented. “Exceptional circumstances” were cited including discrepancies between the instantaneous offence charges of doping that were laid and the quick delivery of a very harsh verdict. The complete drug testing procedure was concluded to have been technically flawed as it did not follow standard procedures. Other established facts by the committee included that the duo were not aware of the banned drug to be present in their supplements because PCB itself had not informed them of the dangers of contaminated supplements. [ [http://content-pak.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/271241.html Cricinfo - Shoaib and Asif acquitted ] ] [ [http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/271347.html Cricinfo - Dope on the doping scandal ] ]

Both Shoaib and Mohammed Asif were thankful to the PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf for giving them a fair trial and their team mates, captain, and coach for the moral support. They did not however play in the 2006 Nov-Dec West Indies vs. Pakistan series held in Pakistan because the PCB has recommended that they play domestic games first to recover form and fitness. [http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/271347.html]

However, WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency was to challenge Pakistan's decision to lift bans on fast bowlers Shoaib and Mohammad Asif by taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/6183997.stm] The ICC, cricket's world governing body, has supported the WADA appeal adding that it was committed to a dope free game. [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/18/sports/AS_SPT_CRK_Pakistan_Doping.php]

On March 1 2007, Shoaib and Asif were ruled out of the Pakistani squad for the 2007 Cricket World Cup by team officials, minutes before the squad was to depart for the West Indies. The team management along with the PCB said their injuries were too severe to risk taking them to the Caribbean. Since neither of the two had been declared fit they had not undergone official doping tests. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/281976.html Shoaib and Asif out of the World Cup] :]

However, on July 2 2007, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later dropped the case, ruling it had no jurisdiction to challenge the decision made by PCB. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/300348.html Court has no jurisdiction in doping case] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2007-07-03.] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/6260498.stm Court cannot rule on Pakistan duo] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2007-07-03.]

Other controversies

In August 2007, Shoaib is reported to have used foul language against PCB protesting the imposing of fine of Rs. 300,000 for indiscipline during the national camp in Karachi. [cite news
url = http://in.sports.yahoo.com/070811/139/6jbmc.html
title = Shoaib uses foul language to protest PCB decision]

In the week before the inaugural World Twenty20, held in South Africa, Shoaib was rumoured to have hit fellow Pakistani teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat, leaving a bruise on his left thigh. According to sources, the two were involved in a dressing room spat which resulted in Asif being struck by a bat on his left thigh. Sources said the fight between the two started after Asif and Shahid Afridi disagreed with Shoaib that he shared the same stature as Imran Khan in Pakistan cricket and even ridiculed him for making such a comparison. [ [http://www.indianexpress.com/story/215130.html Shoaib hits Asif with bat, thrown out of team] September 8, 2007 - The Indian Express] The injury was not thought to be anything more serious than a bruise but a team investigation into the matter was pending. [ cite news | url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/309867.html
title = Asif injured in dressing room spat by Akhtar ] After the initial inquiry, it would found that Shoaib was at fault and he was subsequently recalled from the Twenty20 World Cup squad [ [http://uk.reuters.com/article/cricketNews/idUKSP16843120070907 Pakistan recalls Shoaib after Twenty20 World Cup bust up] September 7, 2007 Reuters] and was sent home. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/twenty20wc/content/current/story/309891.html Shoaib to be sent home after incident] ] He was also banned for 5 matches by the PCB and a lifetime ban may also seem imminent. [ [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C09%5C08%5Cstory_8-9-2007_pg1_8 Shoaib banned for five matches] September 8, 2007 Daily Times] Shoaib later claimed that Afridi was responsible for the fight, saying "He made some ill remarks about my family. And I could not tolerate them." Afridi however, denied these allegations adding that Asif would have suffered more injuries but for his intervention. [ [http://uk.reuters.com/article/cricketNews/idUKL0834991020070908 Cricket-Pakistan's Akhtar accuses Afridi of instigating spat | Sports | Cricket | Reuters ] ] Even Asif chipped in saying that Shoaib was lying and that "Shahid Afridi had nothing to do with the fight." saying that "he has not apologised to me." [ [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200709102240.htm Shoaib is not speaking the truth: Asif] ] Shoaib later patched up with his team mates including Shahid Afridi & Mohammad Asif

On April 1, 2008 Akhtar was banned for five years for violating the players' code of conduct. The ban extended to all cricket for and in Pakistan. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/344698.html Shoaib banned for five years] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] Despite the ban not preventing him from playing in the Indian Premier League, the IPL governing council decided not to allow Shoaib to play in the tournament until the end of the ban or unless it is lifted. IS Bindra, a member of the council, was quoted as saying, "Even though they [the PCB] have cleared him to play for IPL, we felt that international discipline needs to be respected." [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/344908.html Shoaib cannot play in IPL] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] Meanwhile, Shoaib vowed to go to great lengths to fight the ban, "I will appeal, as is my right. If that fails I will go to court, if that fails then I will go to the Supreme Court." [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/344784.html 'I have been victimised' - Shoaib] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] On April 3, PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf served a legal notice on Shoaib, calling on him to retract statements he made to a news channel, alleging the ban was punishment in return for refusing to give the chairman a share of his earnings from the Indian Premier League, Ashraf also sought damages of Rs100 million (approximately US$1.6 million) for "defaming him personally" and an additional Rs100 million to the PCB for "sullying the name of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket team." [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/344913.html Ashraf files legal notice against Shoaib] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] A three-man appellate tribunal announced on April 30 that they had temporarily upheld Shoaib's five-year ban, deciding to revist the appeal hearing in June. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/348077.html Shoaib's five-year ban upheld] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] Despite Shoaib later retracting his claims and also issuing an unconditional apology for "any grief or embarrassment that may have been caused to the nation, particularly to the PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf", Ashraf's legal counsel filed a Rs22 crore (approx US$3.37 million) defamation suit against Shoaib in a civil court in Lahore on May 2. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/348423.html Ashraf files defamation suit against Shoaib] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] On May 4, the PCB's appellate tribunal suspended the five-year ban for one month, until they reconvene on June 4, allowing Shoaib to take part in the ongoing IPL. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/349950.html Shoaib cleared to play in IPL] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-04.] A day later, the PCB announced that they will no longer pursue the defamation suit following a reconciliation between Shoaib and chairman Nasim Ashraf at the house of Rehman Malik, a key political official, in Islamabad. "My honour has been vindicated and now the defamation lawsuit will not be pursued," Ashraf was quoted as saying. [ [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/350007.html PCB softens stance on Shoaib] . "Cricinfo.com." Retrieved on 2008-05-05.]

Shoaib Akhtar was on September 4, 2008 sent home by British immigration officials after landing at Heathrow airport without a valid working visa, authorities said he could not play without a working visa, though Akhtar had a valid visa to visit England but not a working visa, which is a prerequisite to play in county cricket. He subsequently obtained the necessary visa and returned for a short stint with English county side Surrey. [ [http://www.cricdb.com/archive/international/news/detail.php?nid=904 Akhtar returns home after visa hitch] . "Cricdb.com." Retrieved on 2008-09-04.]

References

ee also

*Pakistan national cricket team
*List of doping cases in sport

External links

* [http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/feb2007-weekly/sunmag-25-02-2007/page5.htm Shoaib Akthar Confirms his Gujjar Caste in an Interview to Urdu Jang Magazine]
* [http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12123_3379764,00.html Shoaib Akhtar to be sued by PCB over deflammatory comments over his ban]