I have the potential to lead like Imran: Shoaib

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">MUMBAI: Maverick, daredevil, outspoken are some of the adjectives used to describe speed merchant <span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Shoaib Akhtar</span>. Simply put, he is one of those characters who lifts the sport and keeps it alive. The presence of his kind lifts the profile of contests.<br /><br />His athleticism is the epitome of fitness and reason for his success.The entertainer-par-excellence with a blistering run-up, free-flowing action and explosive pace is a crowd-puller he goes.<br /><br />Given the nature of his job, Akhtar is disappointed with the game''s governing body’s attitude towards quickies and the punishment meted out to him recently for a heated exchange with South African Paul Adams. <br /><br />He appeals to the governing body, ICC, to be more considerate when dealing with fast bowlers. "Frankly speaking, there is no justice. I have been banned for a very minor offence compared to the McGrath-Sarwan spat," says Akhtar.<br /><br />Akhtar, who was in Mumbai for the Wisden awards spoke to Times News Network on Friday.<br /><br />Excerpts:<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How does it feel being in India?</span><br />Great. Being here is like home away from home. The people are warm, humble and caring and very passionate about the game. I have always loved being in India. I have always felt welcomed and loved.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Does carrying the tag of fastest bowler in the world put too much pressure on you?</span><br />There is no pressure. I am enjoying my cricket and my life. Whenever I go out in the middle, I try to win the game for my team.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Looking forward to the India-Pakistan tour...</span><br />Yes, definitely. It''s going to be a great contest, but more than that, I wish and hope that it will help in resolving the tension between the two countries. Frankly speaking, I don''t see any point why both countries cannot discuss things across the table. C''mon we are in the 21st century. For economic growth we have to look forward. Both countries must realise that the world is growing. The borders should be thrown open and we should have more interaction.<br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What is the strength of the Pakistani pace bowlers?</span><br />We can swing the old ball more than anybody else in world cricket, even on dead wickets.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Reverse swing once gave Pakistan the edge but now other teams too have mastered the art. Do you have something more in your armoury?</span><br />Yes, we are still way ahead of others. I don''t think anybody can swing the old ball like we do. Some of the wickets that Sami and I took if you have seen in recent times has left many amused.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Did you learn the art on your own or was it passed on by the seniors?</span><br />Yes, the art has been passed on to us by our seniors. Sarfaraz to Imran, from him on to Wasim and Waqar and from them to myself and Sami. We will now carry on the tradition. But then mastering it is hardwork.<br />I believe we should follow the best. We should learn aggression from the Australians, bowling from the Pakistanis and batting from the Indians.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Pakistan has struggled to find a stable skipper since Imran. Do you think you have the potential to fill that spot?</span><br />Yes, of course. I have the potential. I think a captain has to be aggressive, should not only have the desire to win but also should have the guts to experiment without worrying about defeat. I am aggressive, can also guide the youngsters and keep the team together.<br />I believe fast bowlers are genuine match-winners and hence make good captains as they know how to handle them and get the best out of him.<br />Having said that it is not that I want it now or am desperate for it. Inzy (Inzamam-ul-haq) is doing a good job. But I am learning and when it comes to me I will be ready for it.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What''s with the Lee-Akhtar rivalry?</span><br />I don''t see it that way. I don''t bowl to beat Brett in pace or anyone else for that matter. I enjoy bowling fast and that''s what I always try to do. But I wouldn''t like to be remembered as a tearaway fast bowler only. I would be happier if I am remembered as a great fast bowler. I want to prove myself in every game. But I''m not a machine, there are some off days as well. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">With so much cricket being played these days, have you given any thought to cutting down on pace?</span><br />I not only have the pace but direction as well. I''m not a bowler, who comes charging in from 40 yards and sprays the ball around the wicket. I have been bowling fast and accurate and can control the ball even at that speed. I don''t see any reason why I should cut down on pace. People in Pakistan, India and everywhere come to watch me for doing it.<br />However, I do agree there''s too much cricket being played these days. And it''s very hard on the fast bowlers. If we continue to play at this rate, I don''t see quality fast bowlers coming up in the future. Our breed will be extinct.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">So, is the ban a blessing in disguise? </span><br />I don''t know. But I think the officials should protect fast bowlers. They (fast bowlers) are aggressive by nature and the rules are too stringent for them. We come steaming in from 40 yards and sometimes it becomes difficult to control emotions. And the moment we say something, we are severely reprimanded.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">You have a habit of getting in trouble with the governing body of the sport?</span><br />Frankly speaking, there is no justice. There are different punishments for similar offences. I was banned for an incident which I feel was very minor considering the McGrath-Sarwan spat while they walked away scot-free.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Pakistan have continuously produced fast bowlers but India, the several academies notwithstanding, does not have a genuine express bowler?</span><br />It may be due to attitude and our naturally strong built. People from Punjab and other northern provinces have a natural strong build and we play the game aggressively. I don''t see players in the Ranji Trophy playing with the same intensity. The attitude has to change. Zaheer and Nehra are good fast bowlers but they too need to gain more strength. It will definitely help them gain a yard or two more in pace.</div> </div>