"I will be the 1st billionaire in US dollars to come from Pakistan" - Shoaib Akhtar says he wants to be richer than his entire nation

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that he will be the first billionaire in US dollars from his country. He has expressed his desire to become richer than the whole of Pakistan one day.

In an appearance on the TNKS podcast, Shoaib Akhtar was asked why he exploring different professions, having worked as a cricketer, broadcaster, social media celebrity and now even in the real estate world.

Akhtar said that he wants to become the first billionaire from his country and claimed that no one could stop him from doing so. He said via YouTube channel 'Nakash Khan:'

"I will be the 1st billionaire in US dollars to come from Pakistan. I want to become richer than Pakistan one day. I am not kidding. I am serious about it," he said [56.20 onwards].

On the same show, Akhtar claimed that he is the only Pakistan legend who retired at his own terms. He added that he wanted to play the 2011 World Cup semi-final against India but the management did not pick him. Otherwise, as per Akhtar, Pakistan would have been the world champions.

"I had two matches left in me. I told them if you want to pick me, I'm here and I won't leave India and the finalist. If I played, Pakistan would have won the 2011 World Cup," the former Pakistan pacer said.

Notably, Akhtar took three wickets in the three matches he played for Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup. His last appearance came against New Zealand in a group-stage match in Pallekele.

"The boards would ban me so that they could become famous" - Shoaib Akhtar makes bold claim

During the same podcast, Shoaib Akhtar also reflected on the various bans that different authorities handed him during his playing days. The former Pakistan pacer opined that the board officials would ban him so that the governing body became popular.

Akhtar said:

"I never had any issues with the board. The board had issues with me. You tell me, has there ever been a fast bowler who can bowl fast like me in the last 200 years? So, the board should tolerate the tantrums of a rare quality player. If Shaheen Shah Afridi would bowl quicker, wouldn't you bear his tantrums? If Babar Azam wins you matches, isn't he allowed to enjoy his own stardom?"

"The boards would ban me so that they could become famous. They become a part of my Google history," he concluded.

Shoaib Akhtar retired from all formats of international cricket after the 2011 World Cup. He has participated in exhibition matches after retiring, with his last appearance coming for the Asia Lions in the Legends League Cricket 2022/23.