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Later in 2002 he fared a spirited bowling attack against Australia. The 2003 World Cup was a huge disappointment, especially given the hype, after which he was dropped from the team. He came back in the team with a bang in the 2004 series against New Zealand but struggled in a lost series against India in 2004. The series ended with a controversy when he left the field citing an injury leading to suspicions by the captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, about his commitment. As a result, his relationship with Inzamam-ul-Haq and the coach Bob Woolmer deteriorated. A medical panel set up by PCB to investigate the nature of his injury, however, dispelled all suspicions.[4]
In 2005, Shoaib regained his reputation as a potent bowler for his side. Playing in a three-Test home series against England, he made a series of impressive bowling efforts on lifeless pitches. His effective use of slower ball proved to be unplayable by English batsmen. He emerged as the highest wicket taker of the series with seventeen wickets. His comeback was also remarkable as prior to his return, he had been criticized from all corners-such as by the Worcestershire chairman John Elliot-for his prima donna attitude and lack of commitment to team. His performance was also acknowledged by the English captain Michael Vaughan, who remarked "I thought he (Shoaib) was a big difference between the two teams".[5] He is also known as the bowler who broke the 100 mph barrier in cricket bowling history, with a delivery of 100.2 mph, and this delivery at stands as the fastest recorded to date.
On October 29, 2007 Akhtar made his comeback from his 13-match ban and performed well, taking 4-43 against South Africa in the fifth and deciding ODI in Lahore. Subsequently, he was included in the 16-man Pakistan squad for the 2007 tour of India, which he completed successfully without further incident.
Justice Rana Bhagwandas stated once that Shoaib Akhtar is the legend of Pakistani cricket.[6]
[edit] County cricket
Shoaib Akhtar signing an autograph
Shoaib has played for three counties in English county cricket: Somerset (2001), Durham (2003 and 2004) and Worcestershire (2005). He did have his moments of success (for example, taking 5-35 for Durham against Somerset in the National League in 2003, and claiming 6-16 in the same competition for Worcestershire against Glamorgan two years later) but he suffered from fitness problems, as well as a perception that he was less than interested in his task. This was particularly the case at Worcestershire: chairman John Elliott said "Players like that are no good to our club. In fact, Shoaib has been no good for any club he's been at. He's a superstar and just does what he wants.
Shoaib made a strong comeback in his first game in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Delhi Daredevils. Defending a low score of 133, Shoaib took four top order wickets which ultimately led to the Daredevils being restricted to 110. He ended with figures of 4-11 from three overs, a performance which earned him the player of the match award.[8][9] Shoaib denied that he had any point to prove with his performance, stating, "I just wanted to win the game." Knight Riders' captain Sourav Ganguly also acknowledged Shoaib's performance, "He came to the country with lots [of things] happening behind him...But he showed a lot of character."[10] It has been widely reported that the Knight Riders have released Akhtar from his IPL contract due to his injury history but the Knight Riders' officials have denied these reports and said they are still in talks with the fast bowler[11].
Shoaib's career has been plagued with injuries, controversies, and accusations of bad attitude. After shooting to stardom at a young age due to his devastating pace, he became more interested in glam our rather than cementing his career. Although he eventually crossed the 100 mph barrier, his attitude took its toll on his reputation as well as his fitness. After a poor showing in the 2003 World Cup, he got involved in a verbal spat with then captain Warde Younis. Later he was axed along with other players, including Younis. In a triangular series in 2003 in Sir Lenka, he was caught tampering with the ball, making him the second player ever to be banned on ball tampering charges. The same year he was banned for one Test and two ODIs for abusing Paul Adams in a match against South Africa. In the 2004 home series with India, he struggled with wrist and back injuries, which raised questions about their authenticity. During the final Test he cited injury and chose not to bowl halfway through but was met with raised eyebrows when he later turned up to bat, apparently enjoying himself. Although his injuries were not proved to be fake, his reputation suffered, especially after Haq's outburst in a post match press conference. His relationship with the captain and the coach deteriorated further partially due to his manipulative nature and partially due to politics.
He was sent back from the 2005 Australia tour with a hamstring injury amid rumors of indiscipline, lack of commitment, and attitudinal complaints. He was subsequently fined by the PCB for avoiding a late night curfew. At this point, once loved Shoaib was reviled alike by teammates, opponents and cricket fans. The rest of his career was riddled with ankle and knee injuries which forced him to undergo a surgery in February 2006, until finally he was banned for two years for using performance enShoaib Akhtar's Best in
He has since pleaded guilty and apologized for the mistake: "I am ashamed. I did it in the heat of the moment as the match was a close one, but I should not have done that, it's a serious offense.
"I apologies to all and everyone involved in the match and to the fans around the world. This will never happen again."
The incident happened during a two-wicket defeat to Australia, in the final one day international between the two sides.
Pakistan coach Intimacy Alma said: "It's unacceptable.
"It shouldn't have happened but it happened and I feel sorry for him.
"Being a captain you should be above everything but unfortunately it's happened."
Umran added that under Afridi’s leadership, Pakistani team’s killer instinct seemed to be back.
“The main thing I have taken from today's game is the heightened level of performance in the field shown by the team towards their new skipper. The team played as a unit and battled with some pride, and I conveyed the same to Shahid after the match today,” he said.
Umran said that Afridi would use the two-match ban to spend time with his family.
“I can confirm that Shahid will be going home early so that he can spend some much deserved time with his wife and daughters,” he said.
KEVIN PIETERSEN continued his return to form with an innings of bristling intent and skittish brilliance, but was overshadowed by an 18-ball cameo from Abdul Razzaq that squared this two-match Twenty20 series.
Asked about his aggressive attitude from the off, Pietersen looked surprised, saying: “You have to go out there with purpose. That’s Twenty20, and that’s the way other guys around the world play.” It was possible to detect a dig at England’s less than purposeful start to their innings and their inability to turn a platform of 110 for one after 15 overs into a more fruitful score than the 148 they finished with.
Abdul Razzaq was once rapid enough to open the bowling and remains composed enough to bat anywhere, though he is discovering that the lower-order suits him nicely. His bowling - the reason he was first noticed - is characterised by a galloping approach, accuracy, and reverse-swing. But it is his batting that is more likely to win matches. He boasts a prodigious array of strokes and is particularly strong driving through cover and mid-off off both front and back foot. He has two gears: block or blast. Cut off the big shots and Razzaq gets bogged down, although patience is his virtue as he demonstrated in a match-saving fifty against
Abdul Razzaq added: “I am looking forward to playing for Hampshire in the Friends Provident t20, I've always enjoyed my cricket in England as it is a home away from home due to the massive following Pakistani players have there, and I will do my utmost to try and help Hampshire win the tournament."