Temperamental and injury-ravaged Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar announced his decision to retire from international cricket after the World Cup, bringing to end a tempestuous career marred by several controversies.
- Shoaib Akhtar bids moving adieu
The 35-year-old speedster, regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in his prime, took 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 in 163 ODIs in a 13-year career which started against the West Indies in December 1997.
"I have decided to retire. Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters," an emotional Akhtar, nicknamed the 'Rawalpindi Express' because of the devastating pace he generated in his best days, told reporters in Colombo on Thursday.
For most part of his career, Shoaib was portrayed as the problem child of Pakistan cricket, beset with ball-tampering allegations, disciplinary issues, hitting team mate Mohammad Asif with a bat in 2007, doping accusations and several other controversies.
As he gets ready to hang his boots many memories of his best and worst days in the game come to mind. Sure you too have some. Share them.
