'I Was Told To Target Sourav Ganguly's Ribs': Shoaib Akhtar Recalls Pakistan's Bizarre Team Meeting

Pakistan's legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar he was asked in the team meeting to target batters on their ribs and heads and not dismiss them. 

Shoaib Akhtar still holds the world record for bowling the fastest delivery in international cricket.

New Delhi: Pakistan's legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar was the fastest bowler the world had ever witnessed. During his remarkable career of 14 years, Shoaib had troubled, scared even injured some of the greatest batters with his lethal bowling. The pacer still holds the world record for bowling the fastest delivery in international cricket. Akhtar had recorded a speed of 161kmph while bowling against New Zealand in 2002. He played 46 Tests, 163 ODIs, and 15 T20Is, taking 178, 247, and 19 wickets, respectively.

The Pakistani bowler shares a good bond with the Indian cricketers, off the field, even after retiring. Ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2022 match, Akhtar, during a conversation with Virender Sehwag on Star Sports show Frenemies revealed he was asked in the team meeting to target batters on their ribs and heads and not dismiss them. 

"I was always trying to target the head and ribs of a batsman. We had decided to target Ganguly on his ribs. In fact, it was decided in our meeting itself, where it was discussed how I would try to hit batters. I asked, "Do I not dismiss them?" They said, 'No. You have a lot of pace. You just try to hit the batters, we will take care of getting them out’," the ex-Pakistani bowler revealed.

A 'frenemies' bond that will be remembered in the history 📖 as a classic! 🤩

Watch @virendersehwag & @shoaib100mph revisit their #GreatestRivalry ahead of the #INDvPAK ⚔️!#BelieveInBlue | #AsiaCup | Aug 28, 6 PM | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/FvXeA5IwaY

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 18, 2022

In reply, Sehwag said, "I'm sure Ganguly will be listening to this interview."

Akhtar said that he had told Ganguly this later. "I told Ganguly later that our plan was to target you in the ribs and not get you out," he said.

During an India vs Pakistan One-Day-International match in 1999, Ganguly sustained a very painful and fatal blow on his ribs off Shoaib Akhtar's delivery. The former India skipper then made a comeback from his injury to score a ton in Adelaide against Pakistan.