Super Shoaib

"Every controversy makes me stronger," says Shoaib Akhtar in an Asian News International report today. Given just how many controversies there have been in his ten-year international career, can we expect to see Shoaib in The World's Strongest Man this Christmas?

A reminder of the list: twice suspended over throwing allegations; left the field against India in 2004 citing wrist and back pain that seemed miraculously to have gone when he came out to bat; a ban in 2003 for "changing the condition of the ball"; another ban the same year for abusive language towards Paul Adams plus a fine for having a go at Matthew Hayden; arguments with Bob Woolmer, who he alleged had been racist to him; fined for refusing to wear a sponsor's logo; various complaints about commitment and suspect fitness; hacking off Worcestershire for barely going through the motions when he played for them; speculation of leaving cricket for Bollywood; and then the whole drug test hoo-haa.

Mind you, he is some bowler when he shows up.

Comments

[Humphrey B Bear]

Gday Pat,

Listen old mate, if Shoaib does make it onto 'The World's Strongest Man' shortlist, could you give me the heads up asap?

I'll need to get down to my bookie at lightspeed, before he frames a proper market. Shoaib's PCB approved 'diet' makes him the odds on favourite.

Especially for that 'holding the car batteries with straight arms' bit.

I'm putting the cave on him.