Akhtar, in an event in Pakistan, appealed the youngsters to stay away from drugs.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar used to be a trouble for the opposition batters. He mostly bothered them with his pace which could easily be consistently over 150 kmph in his prime.
Akhtar, who was the guest of honor at the drug burning ceremony by the Anti-Narcotics Force of Pakistan, revealed attempts were made to force him into drugs to increase the pace, but he always refused.
"When I started playing cricket I was told you can't bowl fast and to achieve a good speed of 100 mph I will have to use drugs. But I have always refused to do so," Akhtar was quoted as saying by APP in Islamabad.
Akhtar said a lot of careers were ruined because of drugs and he urged the youngsters to stay away from drugs.
"It was my honor being the speaker/guest of honor at the symbolic drug burning ceremony by the Anti-Narcotics Force of Pakistan. ANF is making efforts to the best of its capacity & resources for a drug-free Pakistan.
"Play sports, work out & do healthy activities for a bright future," Akhtar said on Twitter.