Shoaib Akhtar, the fastest bowler in the history of cricket, revealed unknown facts about his personal life and the story of his journey to becoming ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ during an enthralling one-on-one session at the 41^st Sharjah International Book Fair.

Crowds cheered and clapped as the right-hand fast bowler walked onto stage to see ‘Dastan-e-Shoaib Akhtar,’ a gripping recital about his own life.  Retold in ‘Dastaangoi’ style, a 14th century art form of verbal storytelling, the act by poet, writer Sahil Agha, was organised to honour the legendary Pakistani cricketer as well as shine focus on the importance of the Urdu language.

After the specialsed performance, Akhtar, the ‘stump-wrecker’ as he is popularly known, discussed poignant facts about his life with host Tarannum Ahmed, weaving interesting anecdotes from his memoir Shoaib Akhtar Controversially Yours into the delightful conversation.

Akhtar’s mother named him Shoaib in remembrance of his older brother, who unfortunately died when Akhtar was born. People in the village told her she should not have kept the same name, as it would be unlucky for her baby, since Akhtar was already a sickly child.

He said: “Until I was six years old I could not walk and doctors told my mother that I would be an invalid. And when I finally started walking, I began falling, I would take a few steps and fall. When I started falling, I began running.”

He recollected how when he started playing cricket, a few elderly aunts would pester him with questions, and his reply would be: “I am going to become Imran Khan.”

As the crowds burst into rapturous claps, Akhtar continued his story, narrating the series of injuries and broken bones he nursed over the years. “Dealing with pain became a regular event. But when I became a star, the entire town came to see me and the same four elderly aunties asked me, ‘How did you become a star?’ I said, “Thanks to the four of you!”

Akhtar humorously added how he believes they had a hand in his success because he would hide and take detours of 10-15 kms just to avoid them.

Today Akhtar is known as Rawalpindi Express, thanks to his ability to bowl extremely fast. During the 2003 World Cup Akhtar bowled at a speed of 161.3 kph. This record remains unbeaten till date.

Attributing his success to his mother, who passed away just a few months ago, Akhtar became emotional as he spoke about how she never gave up on him. He recalled how she would carry him as a baby and walk five miles for months on end just to get him treated. “My mother was a sprinter, she could run very well and she could throw as well. I have inherited all her genes!”

Fans can empathise and get inspired by the fearless manner in which Akhtar overcame severe hardships to reach where he is today when they read his autobiography. Akhtar expressed immense gratitude to the Sharjah Book Authority for giving a platform such as the prestigious 12-day Sharjah International Book Fair to talk about his life, and that too in the Urdu language.