Let Taskin break my pace record: Shoaib Akhtars expectation after arriving in Dhaka

The owner of one of fast bowling’s most enduring records now wants to see it broken not by someone from his own country, but by a Bangladeshi pacer. Arriving in Dhaka for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), “Rawalpindi Express” Shoaib Akhtar shared his hope that Bangladesh’s speedster Taskin Ahmed will one day surpass his historic feat—rekindling discussions around pace, fearlessness, and raw fast bowling.

During the 2003 ODI World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, the former Pakistan fast bowler created history by delivering a ball at 161.3 kilometers per hour against England, a record that remains unmatched in world cricket. More than two decades on, although many bowlers have come close, none have been able to break it. Earlier this year, on October 19 in Perth during the first ODI between Australia and India, Mitchell Starc bowled at a top speed of 140.8 kilometers per hour, but Shoaib Akhtar’s record stayed intact.

Shoaib Akhtar, who is in Dhaka to serve as mentor of Dhaka Capitals in the upcoming BPL season, brought up the topic of his legendary speed record at a press conference at Mirpur on Monday. Expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed, he openly shared his wish. Shoaib Akhtar said,‘Let Taskin break my highest speed record.’
Beyond records, the Pakistani legend also spoke about the mindset of young fast bowlers and the importance of enjoying the game. Drawing from his own philosophy and experiences, he offered advice to pacers. Shoaib Akhtar further said,"To pacers, my advice is to enjoy yourself. Many have long hair, shirts, long moustaches. Enjoy every moment of your run-up. Enjoy yourself and show it to people. At the same time, your goal should be to take wickets without injuring anyone. One of the greatest in cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar, is my favourite player. I hit his helmet. I broke his ribs. I felt bad about it."

Shoaib Akhtar also spoke candidly about his affection for Bangladesh and its cricket fans. Explaining why he chose to be involved with the BPL, he said his connection with the country has always been special, and he is happy to work here again. Shoaib Akhtar said,"I have always received love in Bangladesh. That’s why I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to come here. And the BPL is a good tournament. Finally, there is a chance to work. Especially if I can teach something to fast bowlers and motivate them, I will be happy. Taskin is a good bowler. Through Dhaka Capitals, I am getting connected once again with the most beautiful country in the world."
The long journey and progress of Bangladesh cricket also did not escape Shoaib Akhtar’s attention. Recalling a memory from the past, he expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s current and future prospects.

The former Pakistan pacer said,"Although we lost a match to Bangladesh in the 1999 World Cup, Bangladesh has improved a lot since then. There have been ups and downs, but the team has remained honest. The spectators have supported the team. They love cricket. It feels good when Bangladesh does well. I hope they perform well in the upcoming World Cup. In the event in India and Sri Lanka, they will play like a big team. I am hoping to see this exciting nation win the World Cup."