‘I was told to take drugs to bowl fast’ – Shoaib Akhtar reveals

‘I was told to take drugs to bowl fast’ – Shoaib Akhtar reveals

Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistani fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar was among the most feared bowlers in the world for his express pace and bounce. The pacer terrorized many a batsman with his searing pace and unplayable deliveries. He was nicknamed, ‘The Rawalpindi Express’ for the same reason.

In his career, Akhtar played 46 Tests and picked up 178 wickets at an average of 25.7. He also played 163 ODIs in which he returned 247 wickets and also picked 19 wickets in T20Is. Even till today, Akhtar holds the record the fastest recorded ball in the history of international cricket. He delivered the ball in a 2003 World Cup match against England to Nick Knight which was recorded at a whopping 161.3 kmph.

‘I was told you can’t bowl fast’ – Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar attended the Anti-Narcotics Forces’ annual ceremony of burning drugs today and spoke about how he was told to take drugs early in his career. “When I started paying cricket I was told you can’t bowl fast and to achieve good speed of 100 mph I will have to use drugs. But I have always refused to do so,” Akhtar said in his address.

Akhtar took to Twitter to share images from the ceremony and captioned his Tweet, “It was my honor being the speaker/guest of honor at the symbolic drug burning ceremony by Anti Narcotics Force of Pakistan. ANF is making efforts to the best of its capacity & resources for a drug free Pakistan. Play sports, work out & do healthy activities for a bright future.”

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