Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sent a wave of excitement coursing through cricket fans with a recent tweet hinting at a potential return from retirement. Akhtar, known for his express pace and fiery spells, was present at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore during the final T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand. While there, he presented the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy to the cheering crowd.
The crowd was so electric in Pakistan that “Rawalpindi Express” gave a thought to lace up his boots once again.
“Shaibi Shaibi” spark Shoaib Akhtar comeback thoughts
Shoaib Akhtar’s tweet read, “Those ‘shaibi shabi’ chants were so heart touching. I wanted to go out and bowl for all of you again. Goosembumps!!” This emotional message, coupled with the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium, has ignited speculation about a possible return to professional cricket.
World Cup Trophy Tour
The ICC T20 World Cup trophy is currently on a global tour, visiting 15 countries across four continents. Legendary cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar are gracing these events, aiming to promote the sport and inspire future generations.
The trophy will not only visit established cricket nations but also reach out to emerging cricket hubs like Brazil, Argentina, and Canada, fostering a wider connection with the sport.
Pakistan’s Group A challenge
The 2024 T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling affair. Pakistan has been placed in Group A, alongside arch-rivals India. Their highly anticipated clash is scheduled for June 9th at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. This encounter is sure to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024
- Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, United States
- Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
- Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
- Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal
More on ICC T20 World Cup
Qualifying Process & Historic World Cup
The T20 World Cup will see 20 qualifying teams battling it out in four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 8 stage. Here, the teams will be divided into two groups of four once more, with the top two from each group securing a spot in the semi-finals and ultimately the finals.
This edition of the T20 World Cup marks a significant milestone. It’s the first time since 2010 that the West Indies will host the tournament, and it’s also a historic moment for the United States as they take center stage for a global cricket event for the first time. England, the reigning champions from the 2022 edition, will be looking to defend their title.
Akhtar’s cryptic tweet has sent social media into a frenzy. While a full-fledged comeback might seem unlikely, it has undoubtedly rekindled memories of his fiery spells and reignited the passion of cricket fans across the globe.
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