KRL stadium renamed after Shoaib Akhtar

The Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) Stadium, in Rawalpindi, has been named after former speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

Akhtar, who hails from Rawalpindi, is the fastest bowler in the history of cricket. He achieved the feat in a World Cup match against England at Newlands, Cape Town. The ball was recorded at 161.3km/h or 100.2mph.

The former pacer took to Twitter to share his reaction on this auspicious occasion.   

“Humbled and honoured to share that the historic KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi has been renamed as Shoaib Akhtar Stadium. I am rarely ever lost for words but today I am! I truly have no words to thank everyone for the love and respect I have received over the years,” said Akhtar in a tweet on his official Twitter account.

“I have always done by best to serve Pakistan with utmost dedication and passionate determination, with integrity. To always keep our flag high. Today and every day I wear the star on my chest with pride. Thank you, Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

ALSO READ: Sharjeel back, Dhani and Wasim Jr earn maiden call-ups for SA, Zim tours

Akhtar represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 163 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 15 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) while taking 178 wickets, 247 wickets and 19 wickets respectively in each format.

I have always done by best to serve Pakistan with utmost dedication and passionate determination, with integrity. To always keep our flag high. Today and everyday I wear the star on my chest with pride. Thank you, Pakistan. Zindabad pic.twitter.com/nCaPDKTZZ8

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 13, 2021