Shoaib Akhtar reveals he started playing cricket because of Imran Khan

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that his inspiration to take up cricket was former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, admitting that he never truly loved the game until he saw the legendary all-rounder.

Speaking about his journey, Akhtar said he initially considered cricket a demanding sport that required hours and days of effort and took a significant toll on the body. He doubted whether his body would be able to withstand the physical demands of the game.

“This is the first time that I’m saying this. I never loved the game. I only loved the one guy,” Akhtar said.

The former speedster explained that watching Imran Khan changed his perspective and motivated him to pursue cricket despite his initial reservations.

“I started playing because of him, Imran. I thought this is a way too long game. It takes about hours and days to finish it. It takes a toll on your body,” he said.

Akhtar added that he gradually developed a belief in himself, adapted to the game and began learning its demands. According to him, raw pace was the primary weapon he possessed when he started his career.

Reflecting on the finest fast bowlers he admired, Akhtar named Imran Khan, Waqar Younis and Brett Lee, while also mentioning Shane Warne as his favourite.

“These are the most quality fast bowlers that I came across,” he said, acknowledging the exceptional standards set by the legends of the game.

Akhtar also admitted that he did not consider himself comparable to those greats when he was playing alongside his contemporaries in the Pakistan team.

Widely recognised for his extraordinary pace and aggressive bowling, Akhtar established himself as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. His revelation offers a glimpse into the inspiration behind his career, highlighting how Imran Khan’s influence helped turn his initial reluctance into a passion for the sport.