![Shoaib Akhtar [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776347793362_ShoaibAkhtar.jpg?type=hq)
Shoaib Akhtar [Source: AFP]
Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistan great, also known as the Rawalpindi Express, remains one of cricket’s most terrifying pacers even years after retiring. He burst onto the international scene in 1997 with raw pace that terrified batsmen worldwide.
Former Indian pacer Munaf Patel, a key member of India’s victorious 2011 ODI World Cup squad, recently paid glowing tribute to Shoaib Akhtar.
In a conversation with The Times of India, Patel called the Pakistani great a "pagal aadmi" (madman), not as an insult, but as the highest praise for the insane dedication that drove Akhtar to bowl.
How Shoaib Akhtar Risked His Life for Cricket
Akhtar’s career was defined by extreme pace and even more extreme sacrifice. Bowling consistently above 150 kmph takes a huge toll on the body, especially, the knees, the back, and the ankles.
The Pakistan veteran pushed these limits like few others, often running in with full aggression. He openly admitted to taking pain-killing injections before matches just to be able to run in and deliver the ball. Multiple surgeries and chronic injuries have also plagued him throughout his career.
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His knees suffered the worst damage; the constant pounding from his explosive action left both joints severely compromised. Moreover, Akhtar’s body paid heavily for the entertainment and fear he generated on the field.
Fast bowlers usually shorten their run-ups or reduce speed as they age. Shoaib, however, refused to compromise and kept up the pace that no sane man would.
What Did Munaf Say About Shoaib?
Munaf Patel, who himself experienced the rigours of fast bowling for India, spoke with deep respect and admiration for Shoaib Akhtar’s longevity and mental toughness.
Patel, part of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team, knows firsthand how demanding international cricket can be, especially for pacers operating in subcontinental conditions. In his comments to The Times of India, Munaf gave Shoaib Akhtar special credit for sustaining an extreme pace over a long period.
"Shoaib Akhtar should be given separate credit. For 15 years, if somebody can bowl at 150 kmph in Asian conditions, then hats off to him. Woh lajwaab hai, uska koi jawab hi nahi hai (he is brilliant). He started walking properly only after four to six years. Both his knees are gone. But he has that pagalpanti (craziness) - mujhe yeh karna hai. Pagal aadmi hi kar sakta hai (only a madman can play like that)," Munaf said.
Patel’s words carry extra weight because they come from a fellow fast bowler who competed against the Pakistan star. Patel described it as pure madness that allowed Shoaib Akhtar to ignore pain and keep delivering express deliveries.
Far from mocking him, Munaf used the term affectionately to celebrate the obsessive passion that set Akhtar apart. He concluded that no ordinary cricketer could have achieved what the Rawalpindi Express did under those circumstances.
Shoaib’s Legendary Career Milestones
Shoaib Akhtar retired from international cricket in 2011 after a career filled with a heap of achievements. Akhtar played 46 Tests, taking 178 wickets at an average of 25.69, including 12 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket matches.
In 163 ODIs, he claimed 247 wickets for Pakistan at 24.97, with a best of 6/16. He also featured in 15 T20Is, picking up 19 wickets. His crowning glory remains the 161.3 kmph delivery bowled in the 2003 World Cup against England, the fastest recorded ball in international cricket history.
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