Shoaib Akhtar Urges Taskin to Break His Record

The legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who famously bowled at 161.3 km/h during the 2003 Cricket World Cup—the fastest delivery in cricket history—has expressed his desire for the record to be broken by Bangladesh’s emerging pace sensation Taskin Ahmed. Remarkably, Akhtar’s record has remained unchallenged for over 22 years, a testament to his raw pace and skill on the cricket field.

Currently in Dhaka, Akhtar is set to serve as the mentor for Dhaka Capitals in the 2026 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). On Monday, 15 December, he addressed the media at a press conference, emphasising the importance of nurturing young fast bowlers and inspiring Taskin to aim higher. Commenting on the record, Akhtar said,

“I hope Taskin breaks my fastest bowling record. He has the talent and the potential to do so, and I will be cheering him on every step of the way.”

Alongside Taskin, Dhaka Capitals also boast the young and promising pacer Maruf Mridha, who, like Taskin, stands to gain valuable insights from Akhtar’s unparalleled experience. The legendary Rawalpindi Express spoke candidly about his philosophy for fast bowling, advising:

“To all aspiring pacers, enjoy every moment of your craft. Every run-up, every delivery, should be savoured. Your style, whether it’s long hair, a distinctive shirt, or a mustache, makes you unique—own it and show it to the world.”

Akhtar stressed the importance of precision and control over sheer aggression, adding:

“Your goal should always be to take wickets without intending to harm anyone. One of my favourite players is Sachin Tendulkar. I’ve hit his helmet, broken his ribs—and it always felt uncomfortable. The essence of fast bowling is control, respect, and strategy.”

With Akhtar’s mentorship, both Taskin and Maruf are expected to develop not only the raw pace required for elite-level cricket but also the mental fortitude and tactical acumen to succeed internationally. His presence in Dhaka represents a unique opportunity for Bangladesh’s young pacers to learn from one of the game’s most iconic speedsters.

Key Data: Shoaib Akhtar’s Fast Bowling Legacy & Taskin Ahmed