Standing tall while others fall around him

Shoaib Akhtar’s strength and willingness to contribute at a time when his counterparts are retiring is commendable.

At a time when fast-bowlers are reducing their workload – some even calling it a day altogether – Shoaib Akhtar’s career has partly rejuvenated of late, following his lengthy spells with mixed fortunes.

Following his recall to the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup in June after almost a year in the wilderness, the fast-bowler has been part of every limited-overs squad. While his comeback has been relatively modest as far as the wickets’ column is concerned, the bout of conscientiousness and dedication shown on the field has earned the respect of many.

Akhtar’s body, mind and antics have let him down on several occasions. His once-questionable action apart – scrutinised thrice but cleared on the grounds of an inborn deformity in his bowling arm – his transgression with rules has deprived him of more matches than he has actually played.

Despite the comebacks, punishments, dedication and commitment, the lingering question still remains: How long will he survive? There remains no doubt that his five-day career is over – despite his optimism – and he simply cannot last the duration, no matter how many steps he shortens his run-up by. However, he claims to have enough cricket left in him.

“I’ve tried my best to maintain my fitness and I can say with confidence that I can not only play next year’s World Cup but can also be a part of the team for another four years.”

Luckily for him, Pakistan’s frontline bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif are currently out of reckoning owing to spot-fixing allegations and that may work in his benefit. Had they been around, the injury-prone 35-year-old would have been picked for selected matches only and not an entire series. Even if Amir and Asif remain sidelined, the array of young talent – Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Rameez, Mohammad Talha, Tabish Khan, Anwar Khan and Sohail Khan  – potentially challenge Akhtar’s place in the playing eleven.

“Fast bowlers of my era are either about to leave or have left already. I still have a lot of cricket left in me. I know it’s tough to fight for your place but I’m confident that I can compete with other fast-bowlers. My main competition is with myself, not with anyone else.”

But when Akhtar was recalled for the Asia Cup and for series in England, coach Waqar Younis did not seem amused but he, somehow, relented. Although Akhtar was not a total failure in the series, he struggled with fitness and it will not be long before Shahid Afridi gives in to Younis’ demands that the team needs young blood. That leaves Akhtar with one option; try to remain fit and end his career while he can still perform.

“My main aim is to leave on a high note. It would be great if I can help Pakistan defeat India in the final of the World Cup.”

If that comes about, Akhtar will be remembered as a star and not Casanova.



The writer is a Karachi-based cricket journalist

Published  in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2010.