Re: Shoaib Akhtar’s future
Spot On
Re: Shoaib Akhtar's future
This series should prove to be a reality check for Shoaib... he should have (hopefully) realized that he isn't indispensable. If he starts playing for the team, then there's no harm bringing him in... my only gripe with him all along has been his disdainful behavior and he still seems to be riding on his early days of success without consistent performances as of late.
He's talented no doubt but that talent is useless if he channels it towards his own self-image instead of team performance.
Re: Shoaib Akhtar's future
Shoaib can be a big disruptive element in the team. True legends are those deserve their place in the team irrespective of their form, because their mere presence can be frightening for the opposition: Ambrose, McGrath, Akram, Donald from the bowlers, Richards, Tendulkar, Inzamam, Waugh twins for batsmen are examples of that category. Not only will these people always perform but they were/are senior players whom the younger players look up to and want to emulate.
Shoaib on the other hand is too egoistic and will actually break the self-confidence of his team-mates. Biggest problem is he sees himself in the abovementioned category whereas he shudn't be rated higher than the average bowler of nowadays.
Re: Shoaib Akhtar's future
I don't think he will learn a lesson. Did Afridi's absence teach him anything? That's the way these guys play and they will continue to do so.
There is always a place for Shoaib in the team. He is not only the best bowler in the team but the fastest in the world. He missed out a great opportunity to beat India in India. The regret and pain is all for him to suffer.
The only thing his absence does is, it gives Inzimam more confidence to deal with him in the future matches. Selectors will not hesitate to boot him for his mannerism like they did in the past.
Re: Shoaib Akhtar's future
Akhtar should first prove his fitness. If he does he should be back in the side. But if he doesn't perform, he is out. And then a second come back will be difficult.
Re: Shoaib Akhtar’s future
*If pie throwers like Sami can actually stop expecting Shoaib to win matches and do some work on their own, Shoaib will stop seeing himself in the category you mentioned. He is a standard way above all test bowlers we have in Pakistan, and you cannot deny that fact. Sami did bowl well in the second and third test, and I’m hoping he continues that.But for Imran, there was Sarfaraz. For Wasim, there was Waqar. For Shoaib, there is no one. I don’t blame him. *
Re: Shoaib Akhtar’s future
lol…ulta chor kotwaal ko daantay 
kamal kardiya Game dear.
You are saying his missreading of himself is due to a factor that nobody else is performing? Great :k: Was not Umer and upto some extend Shabbir contributed last year when India came to Pak. Shoaib was a total disaster. He struggled to take wickets, even of tailenders. Later in last year he struggled in ODIs as well. Then he got to play in his supposed country of birth (austrailia, if you remember his ghatiya interview from 2003 when he wished/enlightened us that how successful he could have been if he were an Austrailian bowler). There he decided to play 110% to justify all the hype the media and his sponsers were giving him, and he again broke down as usual.
How can Sami’s failure can make his brain fart that he opens his mouth with self-praising on every mic that he sees. This is no excuse, but a ridiculous cover up for his world famous attitude problem. He had this big mouth deasease even when 2Ws were around. Right? Need proof?? If you say he got injured in Aus due to Sami not bending his back enough on the track, then what about last year when India came here? Thye both failed, didn’t they? And he still broke down then too (if you trust his injury claim).
All I would say is, he needs to put his act together and look back at his career. From dismissing Tendi/Dravid in Chennai test to WC99 final eye rubbing in first spell, to missing ODI in NZ in 2003 and going for SKI Jetting vacation on the name of injury, to resting in dressing room while Pak needed him most in Ind/Pak test in 2004. ONCE he sorts out his own problem, he should come back to play only for Pakistan and to win. Not to have his own conference call with controvery-hungry tabloid style journalists, so they can make him more marketable to Lexus and Kawasaki.
The scoreboard shows clearly, although Rana and co did a marvelous job and won the matches because of their determination and unity, there is still a room for a probing bowler, that Shoaib is. I wish he comes back as a changed human being and makes his last 2-3 years of his career marmorable for himself and his nation (which so far has been humiliated by his acts). And with his abilities he can do more than that, only if he puts the same efforts he does when he has his own agenda in his mind. The cricket followers will remember him as a good cricketer. Otherwise, hamara naam bhi na hoga daastaano mein, he will be history very soon, since with Shabbir and Umer back we have plenty of options now.
Re: Shoaib Akhtar’s future
I know he has had off-the-field problems in the past, but Inzi also needs to straighten out his maulana attitude towards him. I understand what you are saying Smoothie bhai, but unlike you many shmucks on this board deny his talent, which is absolutely wrong. The guy is the best test bowler we have. Let’s hope he can sort things out, because his inclusion will only boost up our current bowling attack.
Re: Shoaib Akhtar's future
it's true that shoaib is very talented but he should know that panga with inzi bhai is not changa
Re: Shoaib Akhtar's future
Inzi is a legend one of the best players we will ever have
Shoaib is just a good bowler with a big attitude problem and not one of the greatest we have had or will have