5 most controversial statements made by Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has always been in the news for some reason or the other. Be it during his playing days or after his retirement, Akhtar has always been surrounded by controversies. On many occasions, he has also spoken his heart out in the wrong situations. Also known as the 'Rawalpindi Express', Akhtar has made many controversial statements in the past.

In this article, we will have a look at some of the most controversial statements made by Shoaib Akhtar.

#5 Sachin was scared to face his pace

Sachin Tendulkar-Shoaib Akhtar (source: Twitter)

When he released his autobiography, "Controversially Yours," in 2011, the fast bowler from Rawalpindi sparked a new round of debate among cricket fans. Sachin Tendulkar, according to Akhtar, was "scared to face his scorching pace" even on a slow Faisalabad track in 2006. The claim obviously enraged many Tendulkar fans back then but Akhtar did not apologize saying his remark was based on facts and called out the media for presenting facts in a "strange manner".

#4 Would have not married if I were in his place: Akhtar on Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli- Shoaib Akhtar (source: Twitter)

When Virat Kohli was struggling for runs at the start of 2022, Akhtar told Dainik Jagran: "I would have not even married if I were in his place. I am not saying getting married is wrong but If you are playing for India, you would have enjoyed a time a little."

Akhtar's observation was based on the logic that the pressures of marriage and having children have a significant impact on a player's career. "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,” he added.

#3 Indian Cricket Board Saved Harbhajan Singh during the Monkeygate Controversy

Harbhajan Singh-Shoaib Akhtar (source: Twitter)

Akhtar has always been up for defaming the Indian Cricket Board and making controversial statements about Indian cricket. Speaking of the Monkeygate scandal, which shocked the cricketing world, Akhtar claimed that the Indian Cricket Board saved the ace off-spinner by using its power and influence. “At times someone calls another person a monkey but gets saved,” Akhtar had said during an interview with national television.

#2 We’ll capture Kashmir and then invade India from all sides

Shoaib Akhtar (source: Twitter)

Apart from cricket, Akhar actively participates in debates and openly makes politically sensitive statements in front of the media, for which he has frequently faced criticism from people all over the world. In an interview, Akhtar stated that the scriptures mention Ghazwa-e-Hind and that the river in Attock will be coloured red in blood twice. Akhtar also stated that India will have no borders after Ghazwa-e-Hind.

#1 How awkward it looks when they come to the presentation: Akhtar on Babar Azam

Shoaib Akhtar-Babar Azam (source: Twitter)

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, according to Akhtar, has failed to become the country's most recognisable brand because he does not speak English. "You can see there's no character in the team, nor do they know how to talk. How awkward it looks when they come to the presentation. How difficult is it to learn and speak English? Cricket is one job, and handling media is another. If you can’t speak, I am sorry, but you won’t be able to express yourself on TV," Akhtar had said.