Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is.
During his playing days, Akhtar was a controversial figure. He may have retired from international cricket in 2011, but the Rawalpindi Express still grabs the headlines every now and then with his outspoken statements.
Recently, Akhtar revealed that he was offered a chance to lead the Pakistan cricket team in 2002 but he refused to take over the role.
“I wasn't fit enough,” Akhtar told Suno News HD. “I could play three matches out of five. I was offered captaincy in 2002, but then I would've played only 1.5-2 years (if I played all matches),” said Akhtar.
“I supported my teammates, but the board was very unstable. There was mismanagement all over the board. Pakistan itself had faced mismanagement at that time.”
Shoaib Akhtar was also critical of his country for embracing ‘mediocrity’.
“When your culture endures mediocrity, every person in power is mediocre. The mediocrity continues to increase. You see what the state is today. Is there anything we can manage right now? Nothing. Everyone runs away from responsibility,” he stated.
In a career spanning over 163 ODIs, Akhtar claimed 247 wickets at an impressive average of 24.97. He was lethal with the red ball too as he picked up 178 wickets at 25.69 from 46 Tests, including 12 five-wicket hauls.