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Shoaib Akhtar

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Personal information
Full name
Shoaib Akhtar
NicknameRawalpindi Express
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
BattingRight hand bat
BowlingRight arm fast
RoleBowler
International information
National side
Test debut (cap 150)29 November 1997 v West Indies
Last Test8 December 2007 v India
ODI debut (cap 123)28 March 1998 v Zimbabwe
Last ODI3 March 2011 v New Zealand
ODI shirt no.14
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI T20I
Matches 46 157 13
Runs scored 544 391 8
Batting average 10.07 9.10 2.66
100s/50s 0/0 0/0 0/0
Top score 47 43 4
Balls bowled 8,143 7,506 270
Wickets 178 247 15
Bowling average 25.69 24.50 23.46
5 wickets in innings 12 4 0
10 wickets in match 2 n/a n/a
Best bowling 6/11 6/16 2/11
Catches/stumpings 12/– 20/– 2/–
Source: Cricinfo, 8 November 2010

Shoaib Akhtar (Punjabi, Urdu: شعیب اختر; born 13 August 1975 in Rawalpindi, Punjab) is a former Pakistani right arm fast bowler in cricket, who is regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the world. He set an official world record by achieving the fastest delivery, when he clocked in at 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) in his bowling speed, twice at a cricket match against England.[1] His ability to bowl fast yorkers and quick bouncers have made him one of the best fast bowlers in cricket.

However, he has been involved in several controversies during his career, often accused of not being a team player. Akhtar was sent home during the Test match series in Australia in 2005 for alleged poor attitude. A year later, he was embroiled in a drug scandal after testing positive to a banned substance. However, the ban imposed on him was lifted on court appeal. In September 2007, Akhtar was banned for an indefinite period for his fight with Pakistan team mate and fast bowler Mohammad Asif.[2] On 1 April 2008, Akhtar was banned for five years for publicly criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board.[3] In October 2008, the Lahore High Court in Pakistan suspended the five year ban and Akhtar was selected in the 15-man squad for the Twenty20 Quadrangular Tournament in Canada.[4] Pakistani judge, Rana Bhagwandas stated once that, Akhtar is a legend of Pakistan cricket.[5] He will retire from all international cricket after the 2011 World Cup.

Early years

Akhtar was born at Morgah, a small town near Rawalpindi, Punjab in Pakistan.[6] His father was a plant operator in Attock Oil Refinery, Morgah.[6] Akhtar started his studies at Elliott High School, Morgah and then took admission in the Asghar Mall College, Rawalpindi.[citation needed]

Career

International career

Akhtar's run of impressive performances started in the 1990s. In 1999, during a pre-World Cup series against India, he rose to prominence. It was followed by outstanding bowling performances in Sharjah and later in 1999 Cricket World Cup. His most significant performance was in India in 1999 when he captured eight wickets in the Asian Test championship match at Calcutta – including the wickets of Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid off successive deliveries. This was Akhtar's first encounter with Sachin Tendulkar, in which Akthar bowled him off the first delivery he delivered to the batsman.

In 2002, he was selected for the Pakistan team against Australia and achieved success. However he performed poorly during the 2003 Cricket World Cup and after the tournament he was dropped from the Pakistan squad. He was selected back into the Pakistan squad in the 2004 Test match series against New Zealand, but struggled in a losing Test series against India in 2004. The series ended with a controversy when he left the field citing an injury leading to suspicions by former Pakistan captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, about his commitment to the team. As a result, his relationship with Inzamam-ul-Haq and former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer deteriorated. A medical panel was set up by the Pakistan Cricket Board to investigate the nature of his injury, however Pakistan officials dispelled all suspicions.[7]

In 2005, Akhtar regained his reputation as a fast bowler for his side. Playing in a three Test home series against England, he made a series of impressive bowling performances. His effective use of slower deliveries proved to be unplayable by the English batsmen. Akhtar emerged as the highest wicket taker of the series with seventeen wickets. His comeback was also remarkable as prior to his return, he had been criticized from all corners-such as by the Worcestershire chairman John Elliot for his celebrity attitude and lack of commitment to team. His performance was also acknowledged by the English captain Michael Vaughan, who remarked "I thought he (Shoaib) was a big difference between the two teams".[8] He is also known as the bowler who broke the 100 mph barrier in cricket bowling history, with a delivery of 100.2 mph, and this delivery at stands as the fastest recorded to date.[1]

Struggle for form and consistent injuries (2007–2009)

On 29 October 2007, Akhtar made his return to cricket, from his 13 match ban and performed well, taking 4 wickets for 43 runs against South Africa in the fifth and deciding One Day International series in Lahore in Pakistan. Subsequently, he was included in the 16 man Pakistan squad for the 2007 tour of India, which he completed successfully without further incident and injury.

Rehabilitation and final years (2010–2011)

Akhtar made a return to international cricket albeit in the shorter format of the game. In May 2010, PCB named him in a list of 35 probables for the Asia Cup. On 15 June 2010, Akhtar made his return, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in the first match of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka.[9] He narrowly missed out a spot in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 in place of the injured Umar Gul.

In July 2010, he was selected for the Twenty20 series against Australia but the selectors decided not to play him in the Test squad so that he would not get injured. He was subsequently selected for the ODI and Twenty20 series against England in September 2010.[10]

Akhtar returned to the national side representing the country against England in the Twenty20 International. He bowled an impressive spell and returned with figures of 2 wickets for 23 runs.[11] He continued to bowl well in the ODI series in the absence of regular fast-bowlers, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, who were suspended by the International Cricket Council amid allegations of Spot-fixing. Despite his relatively good bowling form, Pakistani coach Waqar Younis insisted that the bowling attack must not become reliant on Akhtar, as he is 35 years of age and fitness troubles continue to affect him.[12] Akhtar was selected for the tour of New Zealand and started his campaign off well with 3 wickets on Boxing Day in the first of two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand.

Akhtar was selected in Pakistan's 15-man squad to play in the 2011 World Cup hosted by Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka in February to March. During the tournament, he announced that he would retire from international cricket at the end of the World Cup. Several International cricket players congratulated him for his outstanding career performance, most notably Ricky Ponting: "I had some great duels with Shoaib over the years. To this day I always said he is the fastest bowler I have faced in international cricket." Ponting said he remembered a particularly fierce spell from Akhtar at Perth in 1999: "His one spell that everyone can watch on the internet of him bowling at me at the WACA that was reasonably entertaining, more so entertaining for Justin Langer I think. "Langer was at the other end laughing at me all the time when I was trying to keep all the deliveries of Shoaib out. He was express pace, a very, very good bowler." [13]

Domestic career

England county cricket

Shoaib Akhtar signing an autograph for his fans.

Akhtar has played for three English county cricket clubs, including Somerset in 2001, Durham in 2003 and 2004 and Worcestershire in 2005. He did achieve his moments of success, such as taking 5 wickets for 35 runs for Durham against Somerset in the National League in 2003 and claiming 6 wickets for 16 runs in the same competition for Worcestershire against Glamorgan two years later, but he suffered from fitness problems, as well as a perception that he was less than interested in his task. This was particularly the case at Worcestershire: chairman John Elliott said "Players like that are no good to our club. In fact, Akhtar has been no good for any club he's been at. He's a superstar and just does what he wants."[14]

Indian Premier League

about him Akhtar made a successful return to cricket in his first game in the Indian Premier League, playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Delhi Daredevils. Defending a low score of 133 runs, Akhtar took four top order wickets which ultimately led to the Daredevils being restricted to 110 runs. He ended with figures of 4 wickets for 11 runs from three overs, a performance which earned him tdddhe player of the match award.[15][16] Akhtar denied that he had any point to prove with his performance, stating, "I just wanted to win the game." Knight Riders' captain Sourav Ganguly also acknowledged Akhtar's performance, "He came to the country with lots [of things] happening behind him...But he showed a lot of character."[17] It has been widely reported that the Knight Riders have released Akhtar from his contract due to his injury history but the Knight Riders' officials have denied these reports and said they are still in talks with the fast bowler.[18]

He has also played for Cyclones of Chittagong in Bangladesh's NCL T20 Bangladesh.

Cricket controversies and injuries

Akhtar's career has been plagued with injuries, controversies and accusations of poor attitude. After rising into international stardom at a young age due to his speed, he became more interested in glamour rather than cementing his sporting career. Although he eventually crossed the 100 mph barrier, his attitude took its toll on his reputation as well as his fitness. In 1996, he was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the Sahara Cup against India on grounds of indiscipline and poor attitude. His international debut is thus delayed by over a year & in 1997 England tour with Pakistan A and makes an impact on and off the field even then Shoaib is cited for indiscipline by the Pakistan manager in the end of tour report. Finally makes his international debut in November in the second Test against West Indies in Rawalpindi, February 26-March 2, 1998 taking two wickets. He ends the year by being called for the first time in his career in Australia by umpires Peter Willey and Darrell Hair and John Reid, the match referee, a pattern for highs followed inevitably and immediately by lows is set. By 2000 bowling action is cleared early in the year but a rib injury forces him to miss the start of the county season. A side strain then forces him out for the rest of the season and then a shoulder injury rules him out of England's visit to Pakistan in the winter. Knee and ankle injuries are also added to the catalogue before the year is out.

He returns in March 2001 for his first international outing in ten months, against New Zealand in Auckland. Five wickets suggests he is back but breaks down with a hamstring injury nine balls into the next game. .. and is called again by umpires Steve Dunne and Doug Cowie. A report from the University of Western Australia concludes his action is the result of "unique physical characteristics." Pakistani officials say the report `clears him'. Misses much of England summer tour due to injury and poor health and is called again in November in Sharjah. Again, he is 'cleared' by the University in December. Hit by a brick from the Dhaka crowd in January 2001, forcing him to miss the end of the tour. Recovers to destroy New Zealand twice at home, in the process bowling the first-ever 100 mph delivery. Takes 6 for 16 in an ODI in Karachi and follows it up with 6 for 11 in the Test at the same venue. October 3-7, 2002 Shoaib blitzes Australia with a match-turning spell in Colombo, which all but won them the match. In November 2002 he was banned for an ODI after throwing a bottle at the crowds in Zimbabwe. More ball-tampering allegations emerge in the first Test. A knee injury rules him out of the Test series against South Africa.[19]

After a poor performance in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, he got involved in a verbal conflict with former Pakistan captain and fast bowler Waqar Younis. Later on Akhtar was sacked along with other players, including Younis. In a triangular series in 2003 held in Sri Lanka, he was caught tampering with the cricket ball, making him the second player in cricket to be banned on ball tampering charges. The same year he was banned for one Test match and two One Day International matches for abusing South African spin bowler Paul Adams, during a match against South Africa. Also misses Test in New Zealand with calf and groin injuries but is photographed one day before enjoying a jet-ski ride, much to his management's chagrin. Typically, returns for second Test, helps Pakistan win with a stupendous seven-wicket burst (11 in the match) and gets injured again in the ODI series.

In the 2004 home series with India, he struggled with wrist and back injuries, which raised questions about their commitment to the team. In the final Test, unable to bowl for the rest of the match, he comes out to bat later, freely smacking boundaries in a 14-ball 28. Inzamam ul Haq publicly questions the authenticity of the injury. Amid disquiet over his commitment and attitude, Shoaib is called before a medical inquiry which eventually finds his injury to be a genuine one. His relationship with the captain and the coach deteriorated further partially due to his manipulative nature and politics.

Returns to the squad where on the tour to Australia at the year's end his true Jekyll and Hyde nature comes out. He fights a lone battle against Australian batsmen in the first two Tests, but in the process is disciplined by match referees (for sending Matthew Hayden on his way) and injures his shoulder at Perth. He was sent back from the 2005 Australia tour with a hamstring injury amid rumors of indiscipline, lack of commitment and attitudinal complaints. He was subsequently fined by the Pakistan Cricket Board for avoiding a late night curfew.[20]Hamstring keeps him out of the India tour and fitness problems preclude his inclusion for the tour to the Caribbean. On the bright side, he is offered a Bollywood role. Relationship with both Inzamam and Bob Woolmer erodes steadily as with Worcestershire chairman John Elliott for being a disruptive influence. Comes back for the series against England after proving his fitness in a training camp, finishes with 17 wickets, and silences any number of critics with a rehabilitated performance. Ankle injury surfaces in the last Test at Lahore.The rest of his cricketing career was riddled with ankle and knee injuries which forced him to undergo a surgery in February 2006, until finally he was banned for two years for using performance enhancing drugs.

Questions are raised about his action again, this time, by Greg Chappell after the Faisalabad Test against India in 2006. Ankle injury becomes a stress fracture and rules him out of the ODI series. While rumours fly about ICC concern over his action although no official action is taken or statement made. Injury forces him to miss the Sri Lanka tour and doctors discover soon after a degenerative knee condition which threatens to end his career. Is due to undergo surgery, the results of which will determine whether or not he can continue playing but speculation about whether it is his action or his injury which have forced him out intensifies. Takes his 200th ODI wicket in Cardiff.

In November 2006, an officer assigned to the Pakistan team in India, Anil Kaul, alleged that Akhtar had slapped former coach Bob Woolmer following a fight over the music to be played in the team bus on the eve of ICC Champions Trophy. Both Akhtar and Woolmer have strongly denied these allegations.[21]

Drug scandal

On 16 October 2006 Akhtar was suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board, along with Mohammed Asif after the pair were tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance nandrolone.[22] They were consequently pulled out from the ICC Champions Trophy 2006.[23] Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman later stated that he had always suspected Akhtar of substance abuse due to his consistent "reservations" to drug tests.[24] Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul-Haq had also previously complained about Akhtar's drug abuse but was not reported to the Pakistan Cricket Board.[25] Pakistan news reports state that federal capital police had arrested Shoaib along with drugs some three years ago. Shoaib was then reportedly seen participating in the smoking of marijuana at a night club, violating the curfew for the team in their Test series against England.[25]

Akhtar immediately declared his innocence and he declined knowingly taking any performance enhancing drugs. In a statement issued to the press, he claimed that he could never cheat team-mates or opponents.[26] During a hearing with the Pakistan Cricket Board Anti-Doping Committee, he along with Asif maintained taking non-steroidal dietary supplements.[27] He, however, failed to convince the committee of his innocence. In its report submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Anti-Doping Committee recommended a two year ban.[28]

On 1 November 2006 the Pakistan Cricket Board handed down a two-year suspension to Akhtar and a one-year suspension to Asif, banning them from professional cricket during the period.[29] Shoaib had subsequently been added to Pakistan Olympic Association list of doping offenders.[30] However, on 5 December 2006 represented by his lawyer Abid Hassan Minto, Akhtar was cleared on appeal.[31]

Acquittal

On 5 December 2006 Akhtar and Asif were acquitted by the tribunal appointed to review their appeals against the drugs ban imposed on them by an earlier committee. After a clear hearing from Akhtar's lawyer Abid Hassan Minto, the three-man committee, headed by Justice Fakhruddin Ebrahim, voted two to one in favour of the acquittal. Haseeb Ahsan, former Test cricketer and Ebrahim were in favour of the acquittal while the third member, Danish Zaheer, dissented. “Exceptional circumstances” were cited including discrepancies between the instantaneous offence charges of doping that were laid and the quick delivery of a very harsh verdict. The complete drug testing procedure was concluded to have been technically flawed as it did not follow standard procedures. Other established facts by the committee included that the duo were not aware of the banned drug to be present in their supplements because the Pakistan Cricket Board itself had not informed them of the dangers of contaminated supplements.[32][33]

Both Akhtar and Asif were thankful to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf for giving them a fair trial and their team mates, captain and coach for the moral support. However, in 2006, they did not play in the Test match series against the West Indies because the Pakistan Cricket Board has recommended that they play domestic games first to recover form and fitness.[34]

However, WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency was to challenge Pakistan's decision to lift bans on fast bowlers Akhtar and Asif by taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.[35] The ICC, cricket's world governing body, has supported the WADA appeal adding that it was committed to a dope free game.[36]

On 1 March 2007 Akhtar and Asif were ruled out of the Pakistani squad for the 2007 Cricket World Cup by team officials, minutes before the squad was to depart for the West Indies. The team management along with the Pakistan Cricket Board said their injuries were too severe to risk taking them to the Caribbean. Since neither of the two had been declared fit they had not undergone official doping tests.[37]

On 2 July 2007 the Court of Arbitration for Sport dropped the case, ruling it had no jurisdiction to challenge the decision made by PCB.[38][39]

On 21 May 2009, Akhtar was dropped from his country's World Championship Twenty20 squad because of genital viral warts, previously reported as a skin infection.[40]

Other controversies

In August 2007, Akhtar was reported to have used foul language against Pakistan Cricket Board protesting the imposing of fine of Rs. 300,000 for indiscipline during the national camp in Karachi.[41] In the week before the inaugural World Twenty20, held in South Africa, Akhtar was rumoured to have hit Pakistani team mate Mohammad Asif with a bat, leaving a bruise on his left thigh. According to sources, the two were involved in a dressing room spat which resulted in Asif being struck by a bat on his left thigh. Sources said the fight between the two started after Asif and Shahid Afridi disagreed with Shoaib that he shared the same stature as Imran Khan in Pakistan cricket and even ridiculed him for making such a comparison.[42] The injury was not thought to be anything more serious than a bruise but a team investigation into the matter was pending.[43] After the initial inquiry, it would found that Akhtar was at fault and he was subsequently recalled from the Twenty20 World Cup squad[44] and was sent home.[45] He was also banned for 5 matches by the Pakistan Cricket Board and a lifetime ban may also seem imminent.[46] Akhtar later claimed that Afridi was responsible for the fight, saying "He made some ill remarks about my family. And I could not tolerate them." Afridi however, denied these allegations adding that Asif would have suffered more injuries but for his intervention.[47] Even Asif chipped in saying that Akhtar was lying and that "Shahid Afridi had nothing to do with the fight." saying that "he has not apologised to me."[48] Akhtar later patched up with his team mates including Afridi and Asif

On 1 April 2008 Akhtar was banned for five years for violating the players' code of conduct. The ban extended to all cricket for and in Pakistan.[49] Despite the ban not preventing him from playing in the Indian Premier League, the IPL governing council decided not to allow Akhtar to play in the tournament until the end of the ban or unless it is lifted. IS Bindra, a member of the council, was quoted as saying, "Even though they [the PCB] have cleared him to play for IPL, we felt that international discipline needs to be respected."[50] Meanwhile, Akhtar vowed to go to great lengths to fight the ban, "I will appeal, as is my right. If that fails I will go to court, if that fails then I will go to the Supreme Court."[51] On 3 April, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf served a legal notice on Akhtar, calling on him to retract statements he made to a news channel, alleging the ban was punishment in return for refusing to give the chairman a share of his earnings from the Indian Premier League, Ashraf also sought damages of Rs100 million (approximately US$1.6 million) for "defaming him personally" and an additional Rs100 million to the Pakistan Cricket Board for "sullying the name of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket team."[52] A three-man appellate tribunal announced on 30 April that they had temporarily upheld Akhtar's five-year ban, deciding to revist the appeal hearing in June.[53] Despite Akhtar's later retracting his claims and also issuing an unconditional apology for "any grief or embarrassment that may have been caused to the nation, particularly to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf", Ashraf's legal counsel filed a Rs22 crore (approx US$3.37 million) defamation suit against Akhtar in a civil court in Lahore on 2 May.[54] On 4 May, the Pakistan Cricket Board's appellate tribunal suspended the five-year ban for one month, until they reconvene on 4 June, allowing Akhtar to take part in the ongoing Indian Premier League.[55] A day later, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that they will no longer pursue the defamation suit following a reconciliation between Akhtar and chairman Nasim Ashraf at the house of Rehman Malik, a key political official, in Islamabad. "My honour has been vindicated and now the defamation lawsuit will not be pursued," Ashraf was quoted as saying.[56]

On 4 September 2008, Akhtar was sent home by British immigration officials after landing at Heathrow airport without a valid working visa, authorities said he could not play without a working visa, though Akhtar had a valid visa to visit England but not a working visa, which is a prerequisite to play in county cricket. He subsequently obtained the necessary visa and returned to play with English county club Surrey.[57]

Akhtar also threatened to sue the Pakistan Cricket Board after it was revealed that he had contracted a sexually transmitted disease (genital warts) and thus dropped from the 2009 world Twenty20 championship.[58]

International bowling records

Test cricket: Five-wickets in an innings

Test cricket: Five-wickets in an innings
Number Figures Match Against City/Country Venue Season
1 5/43 3 South Africa Durban, S.A. Kingsmead 1998
2 5/75 13 Sri Lanka Peshawar, Pakistan Arbab Niaz Stadium 1999
3 5/24 16 West Indies Sharjah, UAE Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium 2002
4 6/11 19 Australia Colombo, Sri Lanka PSS 2002
5 6/50 25 Bangladesh Peshawar, Pakistan Arbab Niaz Stadium 2003
6 5/48 27 New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand Basin Reserve 2003
7 6/30 27 New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand Basin Reserve 2003
8 5/60 30 Sri Lanka Faisalabad, Pakistan Iqbal Stadium 2004
9 5/99 31 Australia Perth, Australia WACA Ground 2004
10 5/109 32 Australia Melbourne, Australia MCG 2004
11 5/71 36 England Lahore, Pakistan Gaddafi Stadium 2005

Test cricket: Ten-wickets in a match

Test cricket: Ten-wickets in a match
Number Match Figures Match Against City/Country Venue Season
1 10/80 25 Bangladesh Peshawar, Pakistan Arbab Niaz Stadium 2003
2 11/78 27 New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand Basin Reserve 2003

One Day International: Five-wickets in an innings

One Day International: Five-wickets in an innings
Number Match Figures Match Against City/Country Venue Season
1 5/19 42 New Zealand Karachi, Pakistan National Stadium 2001
2 6/16 60 New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand Basin Reserve 2002
3 5/25 64 Australia Brisbane, Australia GABBA Ground 2002
4 5/54 127 England Lahore, Pakistan Gaddafi Stadium 2005

Career Best Performances

as of 8 November 2010

Batting Bowling
Score Fixture Venue Season Score Fixture Venue Season
Tests 47 Pakistan v India Faisalabad 2006 6-11 Pakistan v New Zealand Lahore 2002
ODI 43 Pakistan v England Cape Town 2003 6-16 Pakistan v New Zealand Karachi 2002
T20I 4 Pakistan v England Cardiff 2010 2-11 Pakistan v Canada Ontario 2008
FC 59* KRL v PIA Lahore (CCA) 2001 6-11 Pakistan v New Zealand Lahore 2002
LA 56 KRL v Habib Bank Lahore 2003 6-16 Pakistan v New Zealand Karachi 2002
T20 14 Islamabad Leopards v Peshawar Panthers Karachi 2006 5-23 Rawalpindi Rams v Quetta Bears Lahore (CCA) 2005

References

  1. ^ a b Smith, Eddie. "Shoaib Akhtar at 100 mph". Cricinfo. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  2. ^ "PCB bans Shoaib Akhtar for an indefinite period".
  3. ^ Shoaib Akhtar gets 5-year ban for foul delivery | It's unfair
  4. ^ "Shoaib in for Canada, not Yousuf".
  5. ^ Rediffnews. "The law is equal for everyone in Pakistan". I have little interest in cricket. People are crazy about cricket and we feel happy when our country wins. The names of Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Shoaib Akhtar all come to my mind once I think about cricket. These are legends of Pakistani cricket
  6. ^ a b "Speed is Shoaib's way of life". Rediff. Retrieved 3 November 2010. We drive past the refinery with an escort into the wiry road, past the two-room quarters where Akhtar's father, a plant operator, once lived with his family
  7. ^ "Bone scan puts Akhtar in the clear". 2004. Retrieved 2006-04-10.
  8. ^ "Vaughan - Batsmen to blame". 2004. Retrieved 2006-04-10.
  9. ^ Ravindran, Siddarth. "Shoaib Akhtar makes a respectable return". Cricinfo. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  10. ^ Geo TV. "Shoaib Akhtar selected for ODI and Twenty20 series against England in September 2010". Jang News. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
  11. ^ James, Steve (7 September 2010). "Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar breathes new life into cricket's fast show". London: Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  12. ^ "Shoaib Akhtar can't do miracle at this age: Waqar". Geo.tv. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  13. ^ Samiuddin, Osman (17 March 2011). "Shoaib Akhtar to retire after World Cup". Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  14. ^ Steve Pittard and John Stern (2007-05-24). "Dodgy overseas signings". Cricinfo. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  15. ^ Indian Premier League - 35th match, Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Daredevils. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
  16. ^ Shoaib leads Delhi drubbing. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
  17. ^ I have no point to prove - Shoaib. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
  18. ^ Knight Riders still in talks with Akhtar, February 3, 2009
  19. ^ http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/42655.html?index=timeline
  20. ^ ABC Sport - Cricket - Pakistan's Akhtar fined for Australian disco jaunt
  21. ^ "Cricket". The Times Of India.
  22. ^ Cricinfo - Asif and Akhtar to return home
  23. ^ Staff writers and wires (2006-10-16). "Shoaib returns positive test". FOX SPORTS Australia.
  24. ^ "Cricket". The Times Of India.
  25. ^ a b Pakistan News Service - PakTribune
  26. ^ "Shocked Shoaib protests innocence". BBC News. 16 October 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  27. ^ Cricinfo - Sad but we had to make an example of Shoaib - Alam
  28. ^ Pakistan Cricket Board - official website
  29. ^ Cricinfo - Shoaib and Asif banned for drugs use
  30. ^ [1][dead link]
  31. ^ Cricinfo - Shoaib and Asif acquitted
  32. ^ Cricinfo - Shoaib and Asif acquitted
  33. ^ Cricinfo - Dope on the doping scandal
  34. ^ "Dope on the doping scandal | Pakistan Cricket News | Cricinfo.com". Content-usa.cricinfo.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
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  36. ^ "Search - Global Edition - The New York Times". International Herald Tribune. 2009-03-29. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  37. ^ Shoaib and Asif out of the World Cup:
  38. ^ Court has no jurisdiction in doping case. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-03.
  39. ^ Court cannot rule on Pakistan duo. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-03.
  40. ^ "Shoaib pulled from World Twenty20 squad | Cricket News | ICC World Twenty20 2009 | Cricinfo.com". Content.cricinfo.com. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  41. ^ "Shoaib uses foul language to protest PCB decision".
  42. ^ Shoaib hits Asif with bat, thrown out of team September 8, 2007 - The Indian Express
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  44. ^ Pakistan recalls Shoaib after Twenty20 World Cup bust up September 7, 2007 Reuters
  45. ^ Shoaib to be sent home after incident
  46. ^ Shoaib banned for five matches 8 September 2007 Daily Times
  47. ^ "Cricket-Pakistan's Akhtar accuses Afridi of instigating spat". Reuters. 2007-09-08.
  48. ^ Shoaib is not speaking the truth: Asif
  49. ^ Shoaib banned for five years. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  50. ^ Shoaib cannot play in IPL. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  51. ^ 'I have been victimised' - Shoaib. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  52. ^ Ashraf files legal notice against Shoaib. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  53. ^ Shoaib's five-year ban upheld. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  54. ^ Ashraf files defamation suit against Shoaib. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  55. ^ Shoaib cleared to play in IPL. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  56. ^ PCB softens stance on Shoaib. Cricinfo.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-05.
  57. ^ Akhtar returns home after visa hitch. Cricdb.com. Retrieved on 2008-09-04.
  58. ^ Shoaib Akhtar's genital warts keep him out of Pakistan's World Twenty 20 squad. Retrieved on 2009-08-10.

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