Tag: Shoaib Akhtar

  • Babar Azam has best cover drive in world cricket: Brett Lee

    Babar Azam has best cover drive in world cricket: Brett Lee

    Australia’s fastest pacer Brett Lee, in conversation with Pakistan’s fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar, has said that Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam strike is the best cover drive in world cricket.

    Australian great Brett Lee has also praised the 27-year-old for his consistency and a classy cover drive.

    “Babar Azam: I mean what a technique. What an amazing technique,” Lee said in a video shared by legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

    “When you talk about cover drives, I think he could have the best cover drive in world cricket,” the former pace added.

    Former Pakistani speedster Akhtar shared this video on his Twitter acount. “My fellow speedster @BrettLee_58 about @babarazam258 . This and more, coming soon,” he captioned.

    A few months back, International Cricket Council (ICC) conducted a poll on their official Twitter account, asking fans to pick the player who plays the best cover drive in which Babar edged former Indian captain Virat Kohli, English captain Joe Root and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

    A total of 260,143 people voted in the poll in which the Pakistani cricketer garnered around 46 per cent votes. He was closely followed by Kohli, who finished second by a whisker.

  • Anushka Sharma’s fans call out Shoaib Akhtar for his comments on Virat’s early marriage

    Former Pakistani cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, recently commented on the marriage of former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli with Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma in an interview with an Indian outlet. Anushka’s fans are calling out the former Pakistan speedster for his remarks.

    Shoaib Akhtar remarked that Virat Kohli should not have married now in his career so that he could perform at maximum level at his peak cricket career.

    He said, “I would have not even married if I were in his place. I had just scored runs and enjoyed cricket, these 10-12 years of cricket are different time and doesn’t come again, I am not saying getting married is wrong but If you are playing for India, you would have enjoyed the time a little.”

    Meanwhile, fans of Anushka Sharma have shown anger over his remarks on Virat’s early marriage. Many of them commented not to compare someone’s professional career with their personal life and commitments.

    Another user added, “Sachin had no problem being married and having children and making runs and records.”

    Akhtar further added that married life increases the responsibility of a professional cricket player.

    “There is pressure from the children, of the family. As the responsibility increases, so does the pressure. Cricketers have a short career span of 14-15 years in which you stay at the peak for five-six years. Those years of Virat have passed, now he has to struggle.”

  • Shoaib Akhtar to initiate career opportunities for Pakistani footballers

    Shoaib Akhtar to initiate career opportunities for Pakistani footballers

    Former Pakistani Pacer Shoaib Akhtar has reportedly initiated a life-changing career opportunity for 20 of Pakistan’s most outstanding football players. The initiative is led by the Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Jawan Sports Drive.

    With GSV, Akhtar will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Pakistan. GSV is heavily investing in the trials in Pakistan, giving the first UEFA scouting examination on a national level in Pakistan to identify talent in 10 cities across 11 sites, with the goal of offering life-changing professions through professional football contracts in Ireland.

    Under St Patrick’s Football Club’s development programme, the visit also includes four masterclasses in major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to enhance local football coaching expertise to European levels.

    At least 15-25 coaches have been shortlisted based on merit to attend masterclasses to improve their skills as a trainer with the aim of becoming certified trainers who would train other trainers.

    Talking about the initiative, the chairman of GSV Yasir Mahmood said: “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation.”

    Meanwhile, CEO of GSV Zabe Khan said: “The only lifeline a player has and that is to play. Pakistan has seen nothing but football being swiped off its so-called grassroots.”

    “I welcome Shoaib Akhtar standing shoulder to shoulder with GSV offering a new hope for Pakistan’s next-generation football players,” he added.

    British Deputy High Commissioner Allison Blackburne said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan.

    He further said: “I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club.”

    On the other hand, Belgian UEFA licensed coach Karel Freaye said: “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with the potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe.

    With the trial registrations rising by the hour, he said that he is excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer.

    On the other hand, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program Usman Dar said: “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan.

    “PM’s Kamyab Jawan Programme together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally,” he expressed.

    President of St. Patrick’s Football Club Garret Kelleher expressed: “It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level.”

    Talking about the sports, CEO of Itel Zeeshan Yousuf said: “What excites me the most about this legacy project of GSV is the prospect of changing lives of 20 successful kids who will be on a life-changing journey to Europe.

  • Shoaib Akhtar left England matches for Pakistan to give his mother a bag of flour when she needed it

    Shoaib Akhtar left England matches for Pakistan to give his mother a bag of flour when she needed it

    Veteran Pakistani actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed had an interesting story to share about former fast bowler of the national cricket team Shoaib Akhtar and his unwavering love for his late mother.

    “I want to tell the next generation how Shoaib Akhtar loved and served his mother. He is one of a kind,” shared the legendary actor on his television show Hasb-e-Haal.

    “Let us provide the youth an example of how to respect and serve mothers,” he remarked, narrating a story first told by Saqlain Mushtaq, a former Pakistani cricketer and coach, about Akhter’s love for his mother.

    As per Sohail Ahmed, Akhtar along with his family devoured a mix of big quantity of flour which Shoaib had to get for his family.

    Quoting Mushtaq, Ahmed said that “Akhtar had left us in England while the matches were being played and had come to give wheat to his mother as she called him and informed him that she was running out of flour.”

    “He left the match and went to give flour,” said Mushtaq to Ahmed.

    Akhtar, according to the actor, expressed his love for his mother through actions and not just words. “He was an obedient child.”

  • Saba, Mawra, Shoaib and other celebrities pen Merry Christmas wishes to fans who are celebrating

    Saba, Mawra, Shoaib and other celebrities pen Merry Christmas wishes to fans who are celebrating

    Prominent Pakistani celebrities took to their social media to wish ‘Merry Christmas’ to those who are celebrating this festive occasion.

    Qissa Meherbano Ka star, Mawra Hocane uploaded photos of a decorated Christmas tree and wished that we could be more respectful to all religions and celebrations around us because it gives a reason to smile.

    Actress and model, Sunita Marshal share her photo on her Instagram wishing happily Christmas while wearing a red party hat.

    Baaghi diva, Saba Qamar wished Quaid Day to the whole nation and Christmas those are celebrating on her Twitter.

    Janaan actress, Hareem Farooq also wished the similar greetings

    Pakistani singer, Aima Baig took her picture with a bright Christmas tree and wished happy holidays to everyone

    Former Cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar also did not miss an opportunity to wish ‘Merry Christmas’ to all the people around the globe.

    Meray Paas Tum Ho fame actor, Adnan Siddiqui also penned down the beautiful prayers to the Christian community on his Twitter.

    Actress and model, Nadia Hussain, tweeted wishing happy holidays and Christmas to the Pakistani Christian community.

    Actress, Ushna Shah, tweeted greetings in a unique way. She wished Christmas in the traditional Spanish language which means Merry Christmas.

    Famous Pakistani actress and Video Jockey (VJ), Anoushey Ashraf shared an emotional message to the Christian community on her Instagram story while taking a photo with a Christmas tree that Jinnah would have wished them lots of happiness and a very best to a new year ahead.

  • Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik to play Legends League

    Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik to play Legends League

    Former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Shoaib Akhtar and many more will be part of Legends League, which will be played in January 2022 at the Al-Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman.

    They will be representing the Asia Lions team, which also includes the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.

    “Asia Lions our team from Asia. We find it most suited name with the lion-hearted players that feature in the team. Shoaib Akhtar running in to bowl and Jayasuriya cutting it over the square is what fans will now be most eagerly waiting for,” said Raman Raheja, CEO of Legends League Cricket in a press release.

    Ravi Shastri, commissioner of Legends League, is also excited for the event due to the presence of great players.

    “This is top quality exciting cricket in offer. The Lions of Asia from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan coming together in one team will definitely give the other two teams a run for their money. I tell you they are absolute champions and Afridi, Murali, Chaminda, Shoaib Malik all playing in one team, this will be a blast,” said Shastri.

    The other two teams in the event are India and Rest of the World but their squads have not been announced, yet.

    Asia Lions squad:

    Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Azhar Mahmood, Upul Tharanga, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammed Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Yousuf, Umar Gul, Younis Khan and Asghar Afghan.

  • PTV withdraws claim against Shoaib Akhtar

    PTV withdraws claim against Shoaib Akhtar

    State-owned channel PTV withdrew its compensation claim from the civil court of Lahore registered against former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar after he and Anchor Dr Nauman Niaz settled their dispute.

    Read More – Shoaib Akhtar vs Nauman Niaz: Whose side is Twitter is on?

    During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup series, Akhtar had a heated argument with PTV Sports Anchor Dr Nauman on live TV, where the latter misbehaved with the national star.

    Following the argument, Akhtar resigned from the live show. While the public supported the Rawalpindi Express, the state-owned channel sent him a recovery notice asking him to pay Rs100 million in damages and reimburse three months’ salary worth Rs3,333,000 for violating clauses of the contract.

    However, before the end of the month-long cricket series, a truce was reached between Akhtar and Niaz, after a meeting at the residence of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry.

    According to lawyers of PTV, reconciliation has been reached with Akhtar.

    In an interview before the truce, Niaz said: “I apologised thousands of times over my conduct,” while Akhtar, in an interview said that he has forgiven the host.

    Read More – ‘Disappointed’: Shoaib Akhtar vows to fight lawsuit after receiving recovery notice from PTV

    In the reconciliation at Fawad’s residence, Nauman said: “Shoaibi (Shoaib Akhtar), I am extremely sorry for whatever happened on screen and it shouldn’t have happened and the reason behind it is that we have a friendship of 30 years and that shouldn’t go down.” Replying, Akhtar said: “Its okay. He should have said it long time ago.” Nauman added: “It’s never too late.”

  • ‘Roads should be made like Katrina Kaif’s cheeks, Hema Malini old’: Rajasthani Minister under fire

    ‘Roads should be made like Katrina Kaif’s cheeks, Hema Malini old’: Rajasthani Minister under fire

    Newly appointed Rajasthan’s Minister Rajendra Singh Gudha has courted controversy after saying that roads in his constituency should be made like “Katrina Kaif’s cheeks”.

    Attacking the minister over his bizarre comments, BJP spokesperson Ram Lal Sharma said, “Giving such a statement about women is indecent. The Chief Minister should take strict action. Culture and tradition of Rajasthan have not been such that a person sitting on a constitutional post gives such a statement.”

    Ahem! Katrina Kaif just revealed what's more 'important' in her bedroom - view pic - Bollywood News & Gossip, Movie Reviews, Trailers & Videos at Bollywoodlife.com

    Singh while addressing a public gathering in Jhunjhunu district said, “Roads should be made like Katrina Kaif’s cheeks.”

    In the purported video from the event, he was heard saying that roads should be like the cheeks of Hema Malini but added that the Baghban diva is “too old”. He then went on to say roads should be like “Katrina Kaif’s cheeks”.

    Hema Malini Age, Husband, Children, Family, Biography & More » StarsUnfolded

    Earlier in 2005, Lalu Prasad Yadav received backlash when he had promised to make Bihar’s roads as smooth as Hema Malini’s cheeks. Madhya Pradesh law minister PC Sharma brought back the analogy in 2019 when he said the state’s pothole-ridden roads would soon be made “pretty” like the Dream Girl star’s cheeks.

  • Did Hassan Ali make the fastest ball record, leaving Shoaib Akhtar behind?

    Did Hassan Ali make the fastest ball record, leaving Shoaib Akhtar behind?

    Hassan Ali bagged Player of the Match award during Pakistan’s first T20 international of their three-match series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday, which the Men In Green won by four wickets.

    It seems that even the technical team at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium were impressed. So much so that they ended up making an error while recording his bowling speed, reporting it as 219kph.

    Pakistan’s legendary speedster Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for bowling the fastest ball at 161.3 kph and it is next to impossible to bowl at a speed of 219kph.

    Meanwhile, Ali did become the player to take the most number of international wickets in 2021, including Tests, T20Is, and ODIs as he reached the mark of 64 after he picked up 3-22, helping Pakistan restrict Bangladesh to 127-7.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi is right behind him with 62 wickets, while Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera and South Africa’s Tabriz Shamsi have taken 50 wickets each.

    Meanwhile, netizens were sure that the world record has been made. Here are a few tweets:

    https://twitter.com/pakhtoon_lad/status/1461640955824640008?s=20

    https://twitter.com/FahadKhilji02/status/1461679953108512782?s=20
  • ‘The problem I have with Shahid [Afridi]…’, Shoaib Akhtar tells all

    ‘The problem I have with Shahid [Afridi]…’, Shoaib Akhtar tells all

    In a video posted by Shoaib Akhtar on Twitter, he revealed the problems he has with Boom Boom Shahid Afridi.

    Narrating his lists of problems, Akhtar said, “The only problem I have with Shahid is, he is way better looking than I am.”

    https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1460570177213550592?s=21

    “He hits the ball far better than I can, the problem is he is more famous than I am,” added Akhtar.

    Akhtar further said, “Another biggest problem I have with him [Shahid], is his hair. He has more hair than I have.”

    On Tuesday, Shahid Afridi thanked Shoaib Akhtar and said that he liked the “lot of truth” that Shoaib had spoken about in one of their recent meet-ups.

    Afridi said he was pleased to see Akhtar and complimented him for looking “fit” as he retweeted a tweet by Akhtar.

    “Buhut Shukria Shoaibi! Aapke moun se itna sara sach buhut acha laga. And great to see you, my friend, you look fit hope your knees continue to support you,” wrote Afridi.

    Akhtar’s post, retweeted by Afridi, was a video that the fast bowler had shared earlier on Tuesday.