Happy Birthday Shoaib Akhtar: Took banned drugs, threw bottle into the crowd - 6 BIG controversies of Ex-Pakistan pacer, IN PICS
Former Pakistan pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar was known for his fast bowling. He instilled fear in batters with his raw pace and bounce. He could make even the dead tracks talk with his pace. Akhtar retired from international cricket in 2011 after taking 178 Test wickets and 247 wickets in ODIs. He also played in 15 T20Is, picking up 19 wickets. Today, he turns 47. We bring you all the controversies he has been part of, from getting punished for taking banned drugs to fighting with Pakistani teammates.
Former Pakistan pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar was known for his fast bowling. He instilled fear in batters with his raw pace and bounce. He could make even the dead tracks talk with his pace. Akhtar retired from international cricket in 2011 after taking 178 Test wickets and 247 wickets in ODIs. He also played in 15 T20Is, picking up 19 wickets. Today, he turns 47. We bring you all the controversies he has been part of, from getting punished for taking banned drugs to fighting with Pakistani teammates.
Shoaib Akhtar's contoversial claim against Sachin Tendulkar
Shoaib Akhtar ball tampering
Shoaib Akhtar has been suspended not once, but twice by ICC for tampering with the ball. In fact, in 2010, he was caught red-handed while meddling with the ball in the ODI vs England at Rose Bowl. He later made another controversial statement, saying ball tampering was normal practice in international cricket and not only Pakistan bowlers but also internationally it was being done.
Shoaib Akhtar suspected bowling action
Shoaib Akhtar remains the fastest bowler ever with the speed of 161.3 kmh achieved during a game vs England in 2003 World Cup. However, he has been reported twice for a suspected bowling action as well. In May this year, Virender Sehwag took potshots at him, saying that Akhtarused to chuck after which the Pakistan pacer requested former India batter to speak only if he knew the facts.