Shoaib Akhtar announces retirement.

Shoaib Akhtar, one of the fastest bowlers the game of cricket has ever seen has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the world cup. Akhtar said in a press conference "I have decided to say goodbye. This World Cup is my last and the coming matches in the tournament would be the last few of my international career. Mentally I wanted to continue perhaps forever. But I must make way for youngsters to take over."

Shoaib Akhtar is 35 years old currently and has been a great quick bowler of this era. The reason for retirement has been his body which is becoming increasingly difficult to co operate with the heavy work load and thus ending a career which has been miffed with both highs and lows.
Shoaib Akhtar made his test debut in 1997 against West Indies. He shot up to fame with his long run up and a stressful action and the pace that he could generate off it.
Shoaib Akhtar's career has seen lows with the bowler being linked to drug scandal and some fights with the teammates and with the ball tampering issue. But since his return from 2010, he has bowled superbly and has been the best bet for Pakistan.
Shoaib says his team mates knew he was retiring but they refused to believe and they are saddened as he has been their partner for a long time. He also believes that bowling to the likes of Ponting, Gilchrist and Lara was his best experience and the 3 balls he bowled to Lara were the best he ever bowled.