Akhtar Reveals Favourite Wickets: Tendulkar, Lara, Kallis

The streets of Dhaka have been abuzz with excitement since the announcement on 11 December that Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would visit the city. Arriving last Sunday, the “Rawalpindi Express” stepped into a carnival-like atmosphere surrounding the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he will serve as the mentor for the Dhaka Capitals. Fans and players alike are eager to hear from the man who once bowled the fastest delivery in cricket history.

At a press conference in Banani, Dhaka, Akhtar expressed his enduring affection for Bangladesh and shared candid reflections on his cricketing career, his signature fast bowling, and his favourite deliveries and cricketers. With 46 Tests, 163 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 15 T20 Internationals for Pakistan, Akhtar claimed 178, 247, and 19 wickets respectively. Before retiring after the 2011 World Cup, he was asked about the three deliveries he cherishes the most.

“Personally, I consider three players among the greatest of all time—Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, and Sachin Tendulkar,” Akhtar said. When asked about his favourite deliveries, he joked, “My three favourite deliveries? First, getting Tendulkar out; second, hitting Brian Lara on the shoulder; third, striking Gary Kirsten on the chest… just kidding!” He then clarified: “My actual top three deliveries were dismissing Sachin Tendulkar and Adam Gilchrist in Colombo with yorkers in 2002, and in my third or fourth Test, bowling Jacques Kallis with a very fast delivery.”

Akhtar, renowned for his aggressive approach and ability to intimidate batsmen with steep bouncers, was also asked about the ultimate joy of fast bowling. “I tell every fast bowler to enjoy the act itself. Long run-ups, flowing hair, open shirt… relish every moment. Each delivery is an event. Focus on putting on a show for the fans, rather than merely causing harm. Wickets are the goal, not injuries,” he explained. He admitted that he never enjoyed hitting Tendulkar or Lara with deliveries, despite the media fascination.

Regarding the difference between his era and the current generation of pacers, Akhtar reflected: “I don’t blame this generation—they play in the T20 era, travel extensively, and must perform almost daily. Achieving top speeds requires rest and preparation, which isn’t feasible in today’s schedule. While I admire their skill, the aggression we once displayed is less visible in modern cricket.”

Shoaib Akhtar’s Career Statistics

Shoaib Akhtar’s Favourite Deliveries

As he settles into his mentoring role at Dhaka Capitals, fans hope to witness not just Akhtar’s insights on fast bowling but also his larger-than-life personality that electrified cricket stadiums around the world.