Ex-Pakistani pacer and Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar is once again dishing out brash statements against his former colleagues. In an interview with Indian cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle, the former speedster lamented the fact that he played mostly under ‘Paindu’ Pakistani captains and had he played under Imran Khan’s captaincy, he would have scalped 300-400 wickets. Well, I think it’s high time Mr.Ego should bring his wailings down a notch, considering the career he himself had! Here are 10 reasons why I think Shoaib Akhtar should just give it a rest already!
- Idiotic comments over ball tampering
So much for calling others ‘Paindu’! Shoaib’s idiotic comments on legalizing ball tampering, had us all red-faced. After playing 163 One Day Internationals and 46 Test Matches, is this statement befitting or expected from the likes of an international sportsman, in any way?
- His habitual undue criticism of Pakistani cricketers and obvious analysis makes me sick!
After Pakistan succumbed to losses at the hands of India and West Indies at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Shoaib was the first one to vociferously criticize Misbah, hitting him below the belt by calling him a ‘coward’ captain. After Pakistanis objected to his undue, harsh criticism as well as poor choice of words for Misbah, he later recanted his statement and stated that he respected Misbah as a cricketer. Really!
- His carefree and devil-may-care attitude as a cricketer
Since Shoaib has plenty to get off his chest these days about the management blunders and poor performance of Pakistani cricketers, has he become totally oblivious to his own faults, which he committed quite frequently when he used to don the green shirt? The braniac was banned for two years after ‘unknowingly’ taking banned performance-enhancing substance nandrolone. Need I say more?
- Disciplinary issues
Shoaib’s dressing room altercation with fellow pacer Muhammad Asif resulted in him being fined Rs 3.4 million and banned for 13 matches. Reportedly, he had hit Muhammad Asif with a bat and injured him. Reports of him disagreeing with Shahid Afridi and Waqar Younis also became public knowledge during ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Should such a man be allowed to school others on the subject of discipline?
- Stupid, overconfident statements that tend to get him in trouble
In his book ‘Controversially Yours’, Shoaib spins a cock-a-bull story and states that Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar used to be afraid of his sheer pace. Also, he said that Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar did not know the art of finishing the game. I’m sure those aware of the technicalities of cricket would have laughed themselves silly at Akhtar’s silly, overconfident statement!
- His issues with Pakistani cricket captains (time to grow up)
Yes Shoaib, it’s high time to grow up! His recent statement criticizing former captains and blaming them for an early end to his career, is a hoot! We all know Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz and other Pakistani bowling greats had to encounter the same hurdles but made the most of their careers and performed well, unlike Shoaib!
- His infatuation with India is also sickening to say the least!
Airing your dirty laundry at Comedy Nights With Kapil is as low as you can get, trust me!
- Fitness woes every now and then
An athlete, especially a fast bowler, must go through a hectic fitness procedure, if he is to perform up to the mark. Shoaib, unfortunately, pulled a hamstring or encountered a calf muscle pull every now and then.
- The Meera stalking case!
Pakistani actress Meera had accused Shoaib of harassing her, when he got to know the Lollywood actress had finalized her marriage plans! For someone who always has something spiteful, insulting to say about others, Shoaib should not forget even he has skeletons in the closet!
- He has nothing better to do/say at the moment!
Had Shoaib Akhtar been gifted with an intelligent, cricketing mind rivaling that of Michael Atherton, Harsha Bhogle, Wasim Akram, Imran Khan or Richie Benaud, he would have become a cricket analyst by now. Or a coach, trainer or set up a cricket academy (like Moin Khan and Abdul Qadir). However, he prefers to make stupefying statements that would place him in the limelight for a few odd days. Your 15 minutes are over, Shoaib!
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