Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who is usually an outspoken person, ran out of words after Rawalpindi's 'historic' KRL Stadium was renamed in his honour.

On Friday (March 12), cricket authorities in Rawalpindi honoured Akhtar for his services to Pakistan cricket.

Taking to Twitter, Shoaib wrote: "Humbled and honoured to share that the historic KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi has been renamed as Shoaib Akhtar Stadium. I am rarely ever lost for words but today I am! I truly have no words to thank everyone for the love & respect I have received over the years."

“I have always done by best to serve Pakistan with utmost dedication and passionate determination, with integrity. To always keep our flag high. Today and everyday I wear the star on my chest with pride. Thank you, Pakistan. Zindabad,” he further added.

Notably, Shoaib Akhtar made his international debut back in 1997 and retired from the game after 14 years in 2011.

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. He also featured in 15 T20Is and took 19 wickets.