The 43-year-old former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar who played all formats of the game over a fourteen-year career has announced that he will be making a comeback on February 14.
In a video message posted on his official Twitter account, Shoaib Akhtar stated that “Today’s kids believe that they know a lot (about cricket) and they can challenge my bowling speed as well. So, kids, I am coming back to play and I will show you what speed really is, I too will play league (cricket) so beware.”
Hello 14th February is the date, mark your calendars guys. Main bhi araha hun iss baar league khelnay.. Aakhir inn bachon ko bhi pata chalay kay tezi hoti kia hai! #shoaibisback #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/AbVDo7BPUB
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 11, 2019
Interestingly, the fourth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is starting from February 14 and fans are speculating that he has joined one of the six PSL teams in some capacity.
Shoaib Malik and Wasim Akram replied to his video message.
About time Shoaib bhai! Come show us all what tezi is all about. Can’t wait to see our legend back in action #Shoaibisback https://t.co/W21g1f047X
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) February 12, 2019
Shaibi.. Is this actually happening? You’re coming back? The kids these days could use some of your tezi. #shoaibisback https://t.co/J4OQuLZ5Am
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 12, 2019
He is recognised as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket, delivering an officially recorded top speed of 161.3 km/h in a pool match against England during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
He retired from international cricket after the 2011 World Cup, and since then he has been associated with cricket as a commentator and an expert. He took 178 and 247 Test and One-day International (ODI) wickets respectively. He took 19 Twenty20 International (T20I) wickets as well.
He was nicknamed “Rawalpindi Express” & “Tiger”, as a tribute to his hometown and fast bowling. He is also the first bowler to break the 100 mph barrier, doing so twice in his career.