Pakistan’s express fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said he could have reached 400 Test wickets had he played under the dynamic leadership of Imran Khan. One of the most feared pacers of his generation, Shoaib, who took 178 wickets in 46 Tests, retired from international cricket during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then captain Shahid Afridi. Appearing on a Geo TV show, Shoaib said pointed out that he had taken more than 400 wickets in first-class cricket before suggesting that playing under his dream captain Imran Khan could have made a significant difference.
Their bowling partnership also produced some memorable performances, particularly during Pakistan’s 1999 tour of India and later at the 1999 World Cup in England, where Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia in the final at Lord’s.
“If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan I would have learnt a lot and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket,” said the 51-year-old. “I would have fluid drained from them, apply medication, and ice them,” said the 51-year-old who also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is. At the time, Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had expressed reservations about handing the young pacer his debut, believing the timing was not right. “Then I would go somewhere and bowl in a match, and after that, it would take me another five hours to recover. That was my life.”
