Shoaib Akhtar hits back at ICC after getting trolled for his comments on Steve Smith

Even after bidding adieu to the sport, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar always steals the limelight with his social media activities. ‘The Rawalpindi Express’ never shies away from speaking his heart out and that often leads to controversies and rifts.

Recently, Akhtar stirred up another controversy and raise a few eyebrows when he took a dig at Australia’s Steve Smith. Taking the Smith-Archer’s bouncer incident as a reference, Akhtar opined that he can dismiss the prolific Australian batsman on the fourth ball after hurling three bouncers at him.

Responding to a tweet by ESPNcricinfo that compared the cricketers of the past and current era, Akhtar wrote, “Even today, 3 hurting bouncers and I can dismiss @stevesmith49 on the 4th ball. Lol.”

Even today, 3 hurting bouncers and i can dismiss @stevesmith49 on the 4th ball. Lol https://t.co/6vvmrfFHNK

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 11, 2020

Akhtar’s response did not go down well with many cricket fanatics as they started trolling the veteran in no time. According to many fans, Smith would’ve put up a strong show against Akhtar even when the Pakistan pacer was at his prime. According to many fans, Akhtar was boasting his bowling skills a little too much and he was underestimating Smith’s batting forte.

Shoaib Akhar had criticized Steve Smith in the past too

Along with several fans, ICC also joined the bandwagon and took a dig at Akhtar by posting a hilarious picture. However, ICC’s jibe has not gone down well with the former Pakistan international. Akhtar, on Wednesday, hit back at ICC and opined that the council has thrown neutrality out of the window. Akhtar also questioned the ICC’s functioning while responding to their tweet.

“A symbolic tweet, how ICC has thrown neutrality out of the window. Basically this is how the state of affairs are run there,” tweeted the speedster.

A symbolic tweet, how ICC has thrown neutrality out of the window.
Basically this is how the state of affairs are run there 🙂 https://t.co/OEoJx30lXt

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 13, 2020

This is not the first time when Akhtar has criticized Steve Smith’s batting. Earlier, Akhtar had opined that he would have definitely tried to hurt Smith if the right-handed batsman was playing in his time. It would have been a great contest to watch as Akhtar was regarded as one of the most lethal bowlers in his prime.

The speedster donned the Green jersey in 163 ODIs where he scalped 247 wickets including 4 wicket-hauls. During a group game against England in the 2003 World Cup, Akhtar clocked 161.3 kph and etched his name into the record books by bowling the fastest delivery in professional cricket.