Bangladesh’s pace bowling has made significant strides over the past few years—a fact acknowledged across the cricketing world. For fans and players alike, the opportunity to meet Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, holder of the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket, is unforgettable. Arriving in Dhaka to serve as mentor for Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Akhtar brought his trademark charisma and insights to a press conference at a Banani hotel on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his love for Bangladesh, Akhtar said, “I will always seize any opportunity to return here. Bangladesh holds a special place in my heart, and I never miss a chance to come back.” Naturally, the conversation quickly turned to pace bowling rather than the BPL itself.
Among Bangladesh’s pacers, Akhtar singled out Taskin Ahmed for praise. “Taskin bowls with full intensity, and it’s a pleasure to watch him—sharp and focused,” he said. He also commended the overall development of the national team’s pace attack, noting the addition of Nahid Rana alongside Taskin, and the presence of Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossain, Tanzeem Hasan, and Khaled Ahmed. Former Proteas fast bowler Shaun Taite, now Bangladesh’s pace bowling coach, has also been instrumental in nurturing the young talent.
When asked about advice for Taskin and Nahid, Akhtar said, “For Nahid, my guidance is to maintain strong muscles and train at a high level. Fast bowling puts immense pressure on the body. With proper strength, conditioning, and mindset, he can become one of the best in the world. Taskin already shows these qualities—sharp, focused, and determined. I will provide him with further insights on training techniques and the mental approach required for fast bowling.”
On the regional scale, Akhtar rated Taskin and Nahid among South-East Asia’s top five pacers, alongside Bumrah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
He also praised Bangladesh’s recent performances, including their series win in Pakistan, highlighting Liton Das and other emerging talents. “Bangladesh has the potential to perform magic in the World Cup and be one of the top T20 teams,” he said. Akhtar reserved special appreciation for coach Shaun Taite, calling him “one of the finest pace bowling coaches.”
Bangladesh’s Emerging Pace Talent According to Akhtar
| Player | Role | Akhtar’s Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Taskin Ahmed | Right-arm fast | Sharp, focused, bowls with full intensity |
| Nahid Rana | Right-arm fast | Needs strength, high-level training; great potential |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Left-arm fast | Experienced spearhead of the attack |
| Ebadot Hossain | Right-arm fast | Strong addition to pace arsenal |
| Tanzeem Hasan | Right-arm fast | Emerging talent |
| Khaled Ahmed | Right-arm fast | Promising young pacer |
Akhtar’s visit not only underscores the growing stature of Bangladesh’s pace attack but also provides a unique opportunity for young cricketers to learn from one of the game’s fastest and most intimidating bowlers. His guidance and mentorship are expected to inspire the Dhaka Capitals’ pace unit throughout the BPL.