Saqib Mahmood wanted me to coach him when he was playing PSL, unfortunately no Pakistan bowler came to me: Shoaib Akhtar

The former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that Saqib Mahmood had approached him for advice during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Mahmood was representing the Peshawar Zalmi in the sixth edition of the PSL, which recently got concluded in the UAE. Mahmood came into the limelight when he better his abilities with the ball to fashion England’s victory in the first ODI against Pakistan.

After his performance that dropped many jaws, Shoaib Akhtar said that the speedster walked up to him to sought advice about his bowling whilst the PSL was been played. Akhtar opened up about how he guided Saqib about his pace and also claimed that he would come back to learn from him. While describing his bowling in the first ODI and terming Saqib as a learned guy he also added that the England pacer is trying to learn. Having said that, Akhtar expressed his disappointment at the fact that no Pakistani bowlers came to seek his advice.

“Saqib wanted me to coach him when he was playing PSL. I told him that there is less muscle mass on his legs and shoulders, due to which his pace is a little low. In the first ODI, he looked a little buff and there was power in his shoulders and there was a nip in his deliveries. He is trying to learn and will come to Pakistan again to learn from me. It is unfortunate that no Pakistani fast-bowler has ever come to me for advice. Saqib is a very learned guy.” Said Akhtar on PTV sports.

The dream run of Saqib Mahmood

England drew the sword against Pakistan for their first ODI on Thursday wherein the hosts completely dominated the proceedings. They emerged with a triumph by 9 wickets, chasing a total of 141. Saqib Mahmood, however, shone with the ball striking with early breakthroughs for the team.

Saqib Mahmood sent back Imam-ul-Haq for a duck whereas the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was the next to leave for another duck owing to an outside edge off Saqib’s delivery. Saqib Mahmood scalped 2 crucial wickets in just his first three deliveries, which put his team on the top. In his spell, he grabbed a total of 4 wickets at an economy rate of 4.20.