Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar said that he was lost for words after Rawalpindi’s ‘historic’ KRL Stadium was renamed in his honour. The cricket authorities in Rawalpindi honoured Akhtar for his services to Pakistan cricket for years.
Akhtar said that it is a rare occasion as he is lost for words and thanked his fans for their love and support even a decade after he played for Pakistan. Notably, Akhtar made his international debut back in 1997 and decided to retire from cricket after 14 years in 2011.
Battling several injury issues, Akhtar is to date considered as one of the most lethal fast bowlers of his time to represent Pakistan cricket in 224 international games. Akhtar played 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Pakistan scalping 178, 247 and 19 wickets in his illustrious 14-year career.
“Humbled and honoured to share that the historic KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi has been renamed as Shoaib Akhtar Stadium. I am rarely ever lost for words but today I am! I truly have no words to thank everyone for the love & respect I have received over the years,” Shoaib Akhtar tweeted.
Humbled and honoured to share that the historic KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi has been renamed as Shoaib Akhtar Stadium. I am rarely ever lost for words but today I am! I truly have no words to thank everyone for the love & respect i have received over the years.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 13, 2021
Akhtar further said that he had done his “best” to serve Pakistan with “utmost dedication and passionate determination”, adding to the fact that he had always worn the star and crescent on his chest with pride.
“I have always done my best to serve Pakistan with utmost dedication and passionate determination, with integrity. To always keep our flag high. Today and every day I wear the star on my chest with pride. Thank you, Pakistan. Zindabad,” Akhtar added.
