Photos: Happy Birthday Shoaib Akhtar

Updated On: 13 August, 2022 02:47 PM IST |

Shoaib Akhtar was rightly called the `Rawalpindi Express` for his ability to bowl at a lightning fast pace. At his best, Akhtar`s pace combined with his slingy action and ability to move the ball resulted in many a batsmen heading to the dugout in a hurry. However, the drawback of his action and pace were the multiple injuries that plagued him not just in his career but even after retirement. Pictures Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

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Akhtar made his international debut in a Test match against West Indies in 1997. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

<p>Shoaib went on to play 224 international matches for Pakistan across all formates during which he picked up a total of 444 wickets. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar</p>

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Shoaib went on to play 224 international matches for Pakistan across all formates during which he picked up a total of 444 wickets. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

<p>The Rawalpinidi Express also played in the IPL, during its Inaugural 2008 edition. He featured in 3 games for Kolkata Knight Riders in which he picked up 5 wickets. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar</p>

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The Rawalpinidi Express also played in the IPL, during its Inaugural 2008 edition. He featured in 3 games for Kolkata Knight Riders in which he picked up 5 wickets. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

<p>The Pakistani pacer holds the record for the fastest ball bowled in international cricket at  161.3 km/h. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar</p>

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The Pakistani pacer holds the record for the fastest ball bowled in international cricket at 161.3 km/h. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

<p>Earlier this year Akhtar had called Sachin Tendulkar a brutal player and had termed Rahul Dravid as his biggest nightmare to bowl at. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar</p>

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Earlier this year Akhtar had called Sachin Tendulkar a brutal player and had termed Rahul Dravid as his biggest nightmare to bowl at. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

<p>Akhtar had to also deal with multiple allegation of `chucking` the ball. But a study revealed that his action appeared as such due to his `unique physical characteristics.` Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar</p>

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Akhtar had to also deal with multiple allegation of `chucking` the ball. But a study revealed that his action appeared as such due to his `unique physical characteristics.` Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

<p>Shoaib had several run-ins with the PCB and other authorities due to a multitude of reasons ranging from indiscipline and ball tampering to doping and abusing. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar</p>

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Shoaib had several run-ins with the PCB and other authorities due to a multitude of reasons ranging from indiscipline and ball tampering to doping and abusing. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

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Akhtar is married to Rubab Khan and the pair have one son together. Picture Courtesy/ Official Instagram account of Shoaib Akhtar

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Bliss by the beach

A photographer holds up the lights during a photo session by the Madh Island seashore. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

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Photos: Happy Birthday Shoaib Akhtar

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Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach