'Need your prayers' - Shoaib Akhtar shares emotional video following his knee surgery in Australia

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar shared an emotional video on Sunday (7th august) after undergoing knee surgery in Melbourne, Australia. In the video, the speedster gave an update of his well-being and asked all the fans to pray for his quick recovery. 

The legendary pacer has been suffering from the knee injury for 11 years, but he is ready to do it all over again. The 46-year-old also stated that he could have played for four to five more years but then he would have ended up in a wheelchair. 

“I could have played for another four to five years. But I was aware that if I did, I would become wheelchair-bound. That’s the reason why I retired from cricket,” Akhtar said in the video. He is currently under observation in Australia where his surgery took place. He expects this to be his last surgery after going through five similar surgeries in the past. 

Addressing his fans in the Instagram video, Akhtar said, “Currently I am in pain. Need your prayers. Hopefully this is my last surgery”. In the video, Akhtar expressed love for his nation and what it meant for him to represent Pakistan.  He said, “Again, it was all worth it for Pakistan. Parks of bowling fast, this is what happens, you have to lose bones, but that’s ok, if I had to do it all over again, I will do it”.

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Shoaib Akhtar’s International Career

Meanwhile, Akhtar represented Pakistan in 224 international matches and took 444 wickets in the process. Even if one keeps the number aside, he was known for his terror with the ball in his hand. Ever since Pakistan launched him on the international circuit, people became aware of his raw talent. Despite being a young cricketer at that point, Shoaib’s attitude was always a talking point.

Notably, Shoaib’s off-field activities put him under the scanner on several occasions. From doping charges to ball tampering, from courtroom battles against his board to beating up his teammates, Akhtar was involved in a lot of controversies. He had his fair share of success as well. However, he might miss having an ICC trophy in his otherwise illustrious career.