Jan 24, 2003 03:01 PM
1772 Views
(Updated Aug 12, 2004 02:10 PM)
If a sportstar has ever been the child of controversies, Shoaib Akhtar fits the bill to a T! He has achieved a lot in a still blossoming career, but question marks seem to follow him everywhere!
whether or not he is the fastest bowler ever was a matter of big concern for the cricketing world! And when he and his fans would have liked to believe that he had settled it beyond doubt with a 100mph barrier-breaking delivery, the Icc decided not to honour it! curious! But over the last 12 months, Shoaib has time and again proved that he is the most feared cherry-carrier since Waqar! amusing that no mention of Shoaib is complete without Waqar's mention! That Shoaib has modelled himself on the legend would be an understatement! He even used to bowl wearing Waqar's shoes in the earlier part of his career! But what really identifies Shoaib's personality is the fact that even when he had started off, he had publicly proclaimed that Waqar was his idol, but that he wanted to go one better on him! And for a newcomer to make a statement of that magnitude reflects an immensely competitive spirit!
That this man is making batsmen recall the exploits of Waqar and Ambrose is no mean achievement! But as any cricket-watcher will admit the Pakistan team is pretty dull without this man! for long they have been searching for a real quality pacer and Shoaib has answered the call! Scores of batsmen with broken stumps and battered bodies will testify that as long as Shoaib is not charging in, the 22 yards is the much seeked heaven on earth! That he has brought excitement to a dying game, bereft of new bowling talent is underplaying his skills! He is fast, fierce and a thinking bowler! His slower ones have foxed some of the best batsmen completely! His setting up of a batsman for that dreaded yorker is a tribute to his bowling acumen! But sadly this man seems to be another Lara in the making! His disciplinary record leaves a lot to be desired and unless he sits down for retrospection, he might very well be a part of history pretty soon! And that will be a shame for him as well as the game!
When he is hurling those thunderbolts, one moment you see that feared spherical weapon in his hand, and the next you dont! Sadly the same holds true for his presence in the team! you see him play one match and the next you dont! If he doesnt correct himself pretty soon, it might be the same for his career! Today you see him, tomorrow you wont!
