Shoaib Akhtar to retire after World Cup

[AbhishekS]

You guys just cant accept that he is going soon can you?

I see heartbreak coming.

I feel sorry for them.

 

[Params7]

He was my idol growing up. In school I was known for opening fast bowling first and then batting. Akhtar always inspired me with his long run ups and the most fiercest bowling.

 

[Will Browne]

I've only seen Akhtar once live, at Taunton against Somerset this year. He may have been at the end of his career but his bowing was still a joy to behold. Although his aging body took a few balls to loosen up and he only remained at his fastest for a few overs,I was truly in awe of the man. He would hustle in, huffing and puffing rather inefficiently, but once he got into his delivery stride, it was true fast bowling beauty- his arm whizzed through and flung the ball towards the batsman.

This was at the age of 35. If only I could have seen the Rawalpindi express in his prime.