10 promising Pakistani cricketers who failed to live up to their potential

Mohammed Asif:

What a breathtaking prospect! The world wowed when he ran in to bowl, such was his powers.

Asif was at his peak when the spot-fixing controversy erupted

This Pakistani was just starting to stamp his authority on the game, when he got sucked into the big bad betting world and destroyed his career, breaking millions of hearts.

During the 90’s, Pakistan cricket was at its peak. There were the Imran Khans, the Akrams and the Waqars who got the entire world in a tizzy with their usage of the old ball. Some real good Pakistani fast bowlers were coming up at that time, but they could not make it big, despite the talent they had, because they were born in an era of legends.

For example, Stuart McGill may have been one of the world’s greatest leg spinners, if he was not born in an era when Shane Warne ruled the roost. For every Ata-ur-Rahman, Aamir Nazeer and Kabir Khan, there was a Mohammed Akram and a Fazl-e-Akbar to throw a challenge. But sadly, despite all of these talented crop having represented the nation, none could make a long time mark.

Fazl-e-Akbar:

Fazl-e-Akbar couldn't make it big

Of this extended crop, Fazl-e-Akbar was special. He was always there and there about playing under the shadow of greats and fading away too soon. He was considered to be extremely talented. Unfortunately today, his story is not as inspiring as he failed to make use of his chances.

It goes without saying that Pakistan has contributed a lot to the world of bowling. From swinging the old ball, to reverse swinging yorkers to the discovery of ‘doosra’, all of them were contributions from Pakistani bowlers. But time and again, bowlers from Pakistan threw away opportunities that came their way, and more often than not by their irresponsibility.

Shoaib Akhtar:

How come Akhtar played just 46 Tests will remain a mystery

This choice could be debatable and may have stirred you up. He was that supreme talent who had the potential of being one of the best of all time, but left something to be desired. Surely he achieved a lot and the world took notice. No doubt, he earned a name for himself as the ‘fastest bowler in the world’.

But did he manage to take even half the number of wickets that he was expected to, or rather had the potential to take? His body mechanics were different – a really long run up, tearing in to bowl, open-chested delivery action, and a heavy follow through. With the kind of talent that he possessed, he should have played at least a 100 Test matches especially since he played for 13 years, but he ended up with just 46 Tests to his name.

A skilled team was required to scientifically understand his body dynamics and take care of it accordingly. Circumstances played a major role in the premature retirement of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’. Though he will always be remembered and loved, but the world did not get enough of him, and that will forever hurt the true cricket fan.

Pakistan Cricket has seen it all -- the good, the bad and the ugly. We as lovers of the ‘Imran-era’, would love to see Pakistani cricket come out of the shambles and revive old glory --- setting aside petty differences, nurturing talent which they amply possess, and getting their administration and selection procedure right.