Hello Boys! Shoaib Akhtar Posts Throwback With Cricket Greats
The Rawalpindi Express shares candid moment with former teammates Saqlain, Azhar and Afridi
Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in writing made her pursue a career in content, in which she now has over five years of experience. Vidya writes for MomJunction and covers news for Cricketsweep.
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Image: Instagram
Former Pakistani cricket sensation Shoaib Akhtar, known worldwide as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’, has shared a nostalgic moment with some of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers. In his recent Instagram post, Akhtar uploaded a photo with the simple caption “Hello boys” while tagging former teammates Saqlain Mushtaq, Azhar Mahmood, and Shahid Afridi.
The image shows Akhtar with cricket legends who were instrumental in Pakistan’s cricket successes during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The post offers cricket fans a glimpse into the continued camaraderie between these former teammates who once dominated international cricket pitches together.
The Iconic Quartet
This reunion brings together four of Pakistan’s most recognizable cricket personalities. Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the first bowler to break the 100 mph barrier, shared the dressing room with these cricketers during Pakistan’s competitive era in international cricket.
Saqlain Mushtaq, the inventor of the ‘doosra’ delivery, revolutionized off-spin bowling during his career. Azhar Mahmood, an effective all-rounder, contributed significantly with both bat and ball for Pakistan before becoming a respected coach. Shahid Afridi, nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’, remains one of cricket’s most explosive batsmen and a skilled leg-spinner who later captained the Pakistan team.
Shoaib Akhtar: The Fastest Of Them All
Shoaib Akhtar holds a special place in cricket history as one of the most intimidating fast bowlers to grace the game. Born on August 13, 1975, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akhtar’s career was defined by his extraordinary pace, aggressive bowling style, and ability to intimidate even the most accomplished batsmen.
Akhtar made his international debut in 1997 and quickly established himself as a pace sensation. His crowning achievement came in 2003 during the World Cup when he bowled the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England. This record still stands, cementing his legacy as cricket’s speed king.
Throughout his career spanning 14 years, Akhtar claimed 178 Test wickets from 46 matches, 247 ODI wickets from 163 games, and 19 T20I wickets. Beyond statistics, it was his theatrical run-up, explosive pace, and larger-than-life personality that made him a fan favorite across the cricketing world.
Recent Activities
Since retiring from international cricket in 2011, Akhtar has remained prominent in cricket circles through commentary, analysis, and social media. In recent weeks, Akhtar has been particularly active, engaging with fans through various platforms.
The former speedster has diversified his presence beyond cricket as well. Recently, Akhtar was announced as the ambassador for a healthcare and performance nutrition brand and a vehicle trading company.
Connecting With Fans
Akhtar has been actively engaging fans through social media, sharing glimpses of his personal life and recreational activities. He recently posted about jet skiing at a facility in Pakistan, asking followers if they could identify the location. In another nostalgic post, he shared a throwback picture, challenging fans to identify the year and place it was taken.
For cricket enthusiasts, especially those who witnessed the era when these four cricketers dominated international cricket, this casual photo is a reminder of Pakistan’s golden cricketing legacy.
Trivia
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