Shoaib Akhtar: The Relentless Storm That Shook Cricket’s Foundations Forever
November 09, 2025
**Shoaib Akhtar: The Rawalpindi Express – Career, Teams, and 5 Most Shocking Moments**
**Introduction** Shoaib Akhtar, commonly known as the **"Rawalpindi Express,"** is one of the most exciting fast bowlers in cricket history. With a career lasting over a decade, Akhtar scared batters with his scorching pace, regularly registering velocities above **150 km/h (93 mph)**. His aggressive bowling, volatile temper, and scandals made him a larger-than-life presence in international cricket.
In this blog article, we’ll explore: - Shoaib Akhtar’s career and teams
- The amount of players in his teams - **5 most stunning and unforgettable moments** during his career
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**Shoaib Akhtar’s Cricket Career & Teams**
### **International Career (Pakistan)** - **Debut:** 1997 (Test), 1998 (ODI) - **Last Match:** 2011 (World Cup) - **Role:** Right-arm fast bowler - ** Major Teams:** Pakistan, Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL), Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Durham, Hampshire
### **Key Statistics**
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | | --------| ---------| ---------| --------------|---------| ---------| | **Tests** | 46 | 178 | 6/11 | 25.69 | 3.24 | | **ODIs** | 163 | 247 | 6/16 | 24.97 | 4.76 | | **T20Is** | 15 | 19 | 3/38 | 22.73 | 7.52 |
### **Teams He Played For** 1. **Pakistan National Team** (1997–2011)
2. **Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)** (2008–2009)
3. **Durham (County Cricket)** (2003)
4. **Hampshire (County Cricket)** (2004) 5. **Islamabad & Rawalpindi (Domestic Cricket)**
### **How Many Players Were in His Teams?** - **Pakistan Squad:** Typically **15-16 players** in ODIs & Tests.
- **IPL (KKR):** **25-30 players** on the squad.
- **County Teams:** Around **15-18 players** every season.
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**5 Most Shocking & Memorable Moments of Shoaib Akhtar’s Career**
### **1. The Fastest Ball in Cricket History (161.3 km/h against England, 2003)** One of the most famous moments in cricket history was when Shoaib Akhtar **officially became the fastest bowler ever**, recording **161.3 km/h (100.2 mph)** against England in the **2003 World Cup**.
- **Match:** Pakistan against England, Cape Town (Feb 22, 2003)
- **Victim:** Nick Knight (who hardly saw the ball) - **Impact:** The record held for years until beaten by **Brett Lee (161.1 km/h was subsequently contested, but Akhtar’s speed remains legendary).**
**Why Shocking?** Many doubted speed guns at the time, but Akhtar demonstrated that raw velocity could redefine fast bowling.
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### **2. The Infamous Ball-Tampering Scandal (2006) ** In **2006**, Shoaib Akhtar and colleague **Mohammad Asif** were **banned for allegedly tampering with the ball** during a Test match against England.
- **Incident:** TV cameras spotted Akhtar scratching the ball.
- **Punishment:** **2-year ban** (later reduced to **fine & probation**).
- **Controversy:** Akhtar denied wrongdoing, stating it was normal wear and tear.
**Why Shocking?** One of cricket’s biggest controversies involving a superstar bowler.
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### **3. The Bitter Rivalry with Sachin Tendulkar (1999-2007) ** Akhtar had numerous fiery bouts with **Sachin Tendulkar**, but the **1999 Kolkata Test** and **2003 World Cup clash** were remembered.
- **1999 Test:** Akhtar delivered a **brutal bouncer** that smacked Tendulkar on the helmet.
- **2003 WC:** Tendulkar hammered Akhtar for **18 runs in an over**, including a legendary **upper-cut six**.
- **Akhtar’s Response:** He subsequently claimed in his autobiography that Tendulkar was the toughest batter he had faced.
**Why Memorable?** A historical rivalry between two of cricket’s greatest heroes.
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### **4. The Doping Scandal & World Cup Expulsion (2006-2007) ** Just before the **2007 World Cup**, Akhtar and Asif tested **positive for banned drug nandrolone**.
- **Ban:** Initially **2 years**, subsequently reversed due to "lack of evidence."
- **Impact:** Pakistan’s World Cup campaign faltered without their top bowler.
- **Akhtar’s Defense:** Claimed it was due to **medication for rib injuries**.
**Why Shocking?** A doping controversy involving one of Pakistan’s brightest stars.
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### **5. The Infamous Bat-Throwing Incident with Mohammad Asif (2007)** During a **practice session before the 2007 T20 World Cup**, Akhtar **hit Asif with a bat** following a heated disagreement.
- **Reason:** Allegedly over **sledging and personal disputes**.
- **Punishment:** Sent home from the competition in shame.
- **Fallout:** Further ruined Akhtar’s reputation in Pakistan cricket.
**Why Shocking?** A rare incidence of a player assaulting his own teammate.
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**Conclusion: The Legacy of the Rawalpindi Express** Shoaib Akhtar remains one of cricket’s most **charismatic, controversial, and feared fast bowlers**. His **record-breaking pace, fiery outbursts, and off-field dramas** made him a global phenomenon. While his career was hampered by **controversies, suspensions, and injuries**, his effect on fast bowling is indisputable.
Even now, new bowlers look forward to Akhtar’s **raw aggressiveness and unrivaled pace**, ensuring his legacy goes on.
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