'He is a whole book': Fan asks Afridi to describe Shoaib Akhtar in 'one word', Ex-PAK skipper had a quirky response

When a fan asked Shahid Afridi to describe Shoaib Akhtar in one word, here is how the former Pakistan skipper responded.

Updated on: Mar 12, 2022, 11:13:08 IST

By hindustantimes.com, New Delhi

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has shared the dressing room with speedster Shoaib Akhtar for a large part of his career. Akhtar, widely considered as one of the most lethal fast bowlers in cricket history, represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 163 ODIs, and 15 T20Is in a 14-year long international career. Known for his incredible pace, Akhtar also holds the international record for the fastest delivery (161 kph, against New Zealand in 2002).

Shahid Afridi (L) with Shoaib Akhtar during their playing days. (REUTERS/File)

And so, when a fan asked Afridi to describe Akhtar in one word, the former Pakistan skipper was a little perplexed, saying that Akhtar is a “whole book.”

“You can't describe him in one word, he is a whole book!” Afridi said on Samaa TV.

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“I've played across eras, I've seen many fast bowlers, but Shoaib Akhtar's strength, his bravery has wrecked the batsmen over. The batsmen used to be under so much pressure while facing him.”

However, Afridi then called the former Pakistan pacer a “match-winner.” “He was a match-winner and he has achieved great things for Pakistan,” the former Pakistan captain said.

Both, Afridi and Akhtar began their international careers within a year of each other (Afridi made his debut in 1996) and remained an integral part of the side for many years. The batter announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018 but continues to appear in league cricket, having last played in the 2022 edition of the Pakistan Super League.

However, Afridi was forced to leave the PSL season early this year due to an injury. Interestingly, Akhtar had funnily commented on the former Pakistan captain's age when Afridi confirmed his departure from the PSL.

“Rest kero Lala. Is umar main yeh ishq nahi asaan. (Rest, Lala. The love is not easy at this age),” Akhtar had said.

Afridi had earlier said that this edition of the league would be his last appearance in the tournament.

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