Shoaib Akhtar candidly confesses about mental health issues after international retirement

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, famously kwn as Rawalpindi Express, has opened up about suffering from severe depression. In a recent chat with teammate Mohamm Hafeez, Akhtar (on his YouTube channel) revealed that he suffered from depression post-retirement. fast bowler retired from international cricket after 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

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Shoaib Akhtar: World's fastest bowler

One of fastest bowlers of his era, Shoaib Akhtar broke 100 mph mark twice in his career and was first bowler ever to do so. He has world record for bowling fastest delivery in cricket. He clocked an astonishing 161.3 km/h against England in 2003 Cricket World Cup. Akhtar was widely regarded for his in-swinging yorkers and change of pace. He was also credited to have redefined fast bowling.

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Shoaib Akhtar opens up on depression

In conversation with Pakistan teammate Mohamm Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar revealed that he suffered from severe depression. He said that he suffered from depression for 6-7 months after retiring from sport. Shoaib said that he h trouble getting out of house for six to seven months because he was depressed.

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Shoaib Akhtar: Neir first, r last

Shoaib Akhtar is t only cricketer to take cour to speak about mental health in recent times. English cricketer Sarah Taylor retired from sport due to anxiety issues. Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell and Nic Mdison took a break from sport due to mental health reasons. India captain Virat Kohli also talked about being in a clueless phase after struggling for form in 2014. In past, Marcus Trescothick, Jonathan Trott and Shaun Tait have also opened up on mental health issues.

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Shoaib Akhtar: Rawalpindi express

Shoaib Akhtar has represented Pakistan in 46 Tests and picked up 178 wickets. He picked up ar 247 wickets in 163 ODIs he has played. He has also pocketed 19 wickets in 15 T20Is. Persistent injuries and loss of form forced Rawalpindi Express to retire from international cricket ending his 14-year controversial stint with Pakistan. Since n, Akhtar has continued as a commentator and a YouTuber.