‘Was Offered Captaincy In 2002 But…’: Shoaib Akhtar On Why He Never Led Pakistan

Shoaib Akhtar had turned down an opportunity to become the captain of Pakistan in 2002.© AFP

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he had a chance to become the captain of the national team, but refused to take on the responsibility due to various reasons. Regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers, Akhtar still holds the record for the fastest delivery in the history of cricket, clocking in at 161kph against New Zealand in 2002. During a recent appearance on a local news channel, Akhtar disclosed that he had turned down an opportunity to become the captain of Pakistan in 2002.

Akhtar added that he was not fit enough to peform both, as a captain and a bowler.

“I wasn’t fit enough. I could play three matches out of five. I was offered captaincy in 2002, but then I would’ve played only 1.5-2 years (if I played all matches),” Cricket Pakistan quoted Akhtar as saying.

Akhtar further revealed that while he had the backing of his teammates, the instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prompted him to decline the leadership offer.

“I supported my teammates, but the board was very unstable. There was mismanagement all over the board. Pakistan itself had faced mismanagement at that time,” he added.