Shoaib Akhtar to make his PSL debut at 43?

While Akhtar did not give out much detail of the ‘league’ in which he is set to participate but the date (February 14th) has got everyone excited. The fourth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin on February 14, giving rise to speculations of Akhtar making his first appearance in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.

In a dramatic announcement, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that he has decided to return to cricket to teach ‘today’s kids what real speed is’. Akhtar took to twitter to reveal his intentions of making a comeback to the cricket field on Valentine’s Day.

“I too will play league [cricket] now so you better watch out,” Akhtar said in a video message posted on his twitter handle.

While Akhtar did not give out much detail of the ‘league’ in which he is set to participate but the date (February 14^th) has got everyone excited. The fourth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin on February 14, giving rise to speculations of Akhtar making his first appearance in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.

Hello 14th February is the date, mark your calendars guys. Main bhi araha hun iss baar league khelnay.. Aakhir inn bachon ko bhi pata chalay kay tezi hoti kia hai! #shoaibisback #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/AbVDo7BPUB

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 11, 2019

Notably, ever since the inauguration of PSL, majority of Pakistan fans wanted the 43-year-old Akhtar to be a part of it. While there was no direct indication of Akhtar making his debut in PSL 2019 apart from the date of his return, the announcement has taken social media by storm.

Geo 👏👏👏
Are you going to play PSL? It would be fun to watch you bowling. BTW to whom this tweet is concerned?

— BLOODY CIVILIAN (@MSZA786) February 11, 2019

Please play in PSL, would love to see that runnnup!! 😁

— Jahanzeb Aamir (@jazzonline) February 11, 2019

Jab bhi main @thePSLt20 dekhta hon tu us dauran main sirf aur 1 player ko miss krta hon k kaash wo PSL main khel rahy hoty🤔, wo sirf @shoaib100mph Bhai Hain aur koi nahi❤️💪😘😍

— Adnan Pahore (@RealPahore) February 11, 2019

Wow it mean this #PSL2019 season is going to more exciting than all seasons we can't wait to see you in action Shoaib bhai

— Muhammad Khan Unar (@MuhammadKhanUn2) February 12, 2019

Akhtar also said he wanted to set a demonstration of speed to the youngsters. “Kids today think they know a lot and can challenge my speed. I want them to know that I am coming back and I will show them what speed really is,” Akhtar said in his video.

This could be Akhtar first appearance in a professional league after announcing his retirement after the 2011 ODI World Cup. The speedster did make fringe appearances in non-competitive cricket games or friendly matches but largely had been busy with his commentary stints during that period.