Shoaib Akhtar's big regret: Could have reached 400 Test wickets under Imran Khan

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has revealed one of the biggest regrets of his international career, saying he could have reached 400 Test wickets had he played under the leadership of Imran Khan.

The former Pakistan fast bowler finished with 178 wickets in 46 Tests, but believes his numbers could have been significantly better if he had the opportunity to work with Imran, whom he considers his dream captain.

Speaking on a Geo TV show, Shoaib pointed to his first-class record, where he took more than 400 wickets, and suggested Imran’s influence could have helped him get the best out of himself in Test cricket.

“If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan I would have learnt a lot and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket,” said the 51-year-old.

For Shoaib, the missed opportunity is particularly significant given how highly he rates Imran’s leadership. The express pacer made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, his hometown, but Imran had already retired from international cricket by then.

Shoaib’s career instead unfolded under several Pakistan captains, with his relationship with some of them proving complicated. He eventually retired from international cricket during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then-captain Shahid Afridi.

‘COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP WITH AKRAM’

Shoaib’s early years in international cricket also coincided with Wasim Akram’s captaincy. Akram had expressed reservations about handing the young pacer his Test debut, believing the timing was not right.

Their relationship remained complicated over the years, with moments of admiration and friction. Together, however, they were part of some memorable Pakistan performances, including the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England, where Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia in the final at Lord’s.

Shoaib also reflected on the physical price he paid for a career built around extreme pace.

“I had to wake up three hours before everyone else. I had to cycle first, then go to the gym. My knees would get jammed and lock up.

“I would have fluid drained from them, apply medication, and ice them,” said Shoaib, who took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.

“Then I would go somewhere and bowl in a match, and after that, it would take me another five hours to recover. That was my life.”

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