Mercurial Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar will retire from international cricket after the World Cup, ending a tempestuous career that was marred by several controversies including a dope scandal. The 35-year-old reportedly broke the news to his team-mates and manager here this morning.
With an injury-ravaged body finding it tough to withstand the rigours of international cricket, Akhtar was looking at the World Cup as his final shot at glory. While he was impressive in the opening match against Sri Lanka, form began to desert to him as the event progressed. This prompted the team management to drop him for the last match against Zimbabwe.
Akhtar, who has 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 in 163 ODIs to his credit, made his international debut in 1997, against the West Indies. The express bowler, however, always found himself embroiled in controversies over his actions and disciplinary issues.
He was subjected to a two-year ban in 2006 for testing positive for Nandrolone, a banned steroid. The pacer missed out competing in the Champions Trophy that year but the verdict was overturned by a three-man tribunal a month later.
He had his differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board as well and was even fined for openly speaking against the PCB.
