DESPITE not producing many green-top wickets, Pakistan have always been blessed with an array of fast bowlers who could send shivers down batsmen’s spine. Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were some of the big names in that ever-swelling list.

Shoaib Akhtar was yet another big addition to that list when he burst onto the international scene as a tearaway speedster in 1997. A decade-old Test career, featuring 46 matches, yielded him 178 wickets and his One-Day International career, which ended after the 2011 World Cup, fetched him 247 scalps from 163 games.

These figures are not a fair reflection when one thinks of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’, who sent back Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in ’99, off successive balls with toe-crushing yorkers in one of the hostile fast-bowling spells of all time.

But though he could not reach the heights he was expected to because of a variety of reasons — both on and off the field — Akhtar says he has no regrets whatsoever after calling it quits from all forms of international game three years ago.

“I’m a man with a lot of convictions. I don’t miss the game anymore. My time has come and gone. What’s the point in thinking about like I could’ve done this or that. I’m looking forward to the future and have plenty to explore in this world,” Akhtar told Doha Stadium Plus on his maiden visit to Qatar.

Yes, the 38-year-old has plenty to explore these days. Apart from being a television expert, Akhtar has also been offered the coaching reins of his country’s premier national side — Pakistan State Bank.

But fans will always cherish the image of an Akhtar with a red cherry in his hand, steaming in with that long hair and run-up, and beating the world’s best batsmen for pace.

Akhtar dwelled further on his post-retirement life. “Let’s put it this way, I’m standing in the wilderness with no idea where I’m headed for next. It took me about a year to recuperate from injuries after I retired in March, ’11. I had a lot of work in the years that I spent on the pitch. When I retired, that was the time I got back to normal life and family.

“I was out of touch with my family for almost 20 years. I had never been at home regularly for those 20 years. Life is still pretty busy now. I’m doing commentary for Star Sports. I do give expert comments on Pakistan TV channels as well. I’m coaching at the same time. Life is getting busy in a way, but it’s all good,” he added.

While thanking event promoter QSports Leagues and Qatar Sports Club for inviting him to play in the final of the inuagural Doha 6’s Challenge, where he represented Tusker Club who defeated Qalco, Akhtar justified the rationale of his coaching and commentary jobs.

“As cricketers, God has given us enough. It’s time to give something back to the game. So coaching is ideal that away. As far as commentating is concerned, I don’t criticise the players. I just pinpoint the problems. You’ve got to be brave enough to know the problems and then pinpoint those and give solutions,” he said.

Pakistan, a strong force in international cricket, have been struggling of late and have not won a global title since the ’09 World Twenty20. Akhtar pinpointed the reasons for his country’s decline.

“The lack of maturity is the biggest problem of Pakistan. To address several issues, you’ve got to be mature and you need a vision. People who’re coming to run the game don’t know how long they would be there. There’s no point in serving the country for two years and saying sorry after that. Such people can’t make plans with vision.

“Had Pakistan got another Imran Khan after ’92, we would’ve been different now. I do hope that present Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi and his team will start taking some mature decisions that benefit the country,” said Akhtar.

Though Akhtar has had several differences with the PCB in the past, he is more than willing to assist it in future for the team’s sake. “At present, Pakistan needs a visionary leader who has no hidden agenda. I can provide consultancy voluntarily. But I expect the same from others in the PCB. I feel if you get paid, you can’t serve the country.

“I don’t plan things like for two years or so. If ever any opportunity arises to coach Pakistan, I’ll think about it. I take things as they come,” added Akhtar.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, the image of Akhtar troubling batsmen with his sheer pace and sending wickets cart-wheeling was a familiar sight. Fast bowlers have taken a severe drubbing in recent times with the advent of Twenty20 and fielding restrictions, and Akhtar had this to say to the present battery of pacers.

“For me, Twenty20 is a ruthless game for fast bowlers. I would say fast bowlers like Dale Steyn of South Africa shouldn’t play in this format. The fear factor is taken away by the T20 game because batsmen can smash you over your head.

“The modern-day batsmen can cut or pull you with ease. The fear factor should be there in all forms of cricket. I really believe T20 is a batsman’s game and fast bowlers have a small role to play.

“I would rather have fast bowlers play T20s for practice purposes only and they should concentrate more on Tests and ODIs,” he concluded.

By: Sajith B Warrier
Courtesy: DOHA STADIUM PLUS QATAR.com