I was provoked to use drugs to enhance bowling speed, reveals Shoaib Akhtar

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoiab Akhtar on Tuesday said he had refused several attempts that were made to force him into using drugs to improve his pace. Akhtar said he was told that he wouldn't be able to bowl fast until he uses performance-enhancing drugs.

Addressing a public event held by Pakistan's Anti Narcotics Forces, Shoaib Akhtar said a few top class Pakistan cricketer's careers were ruined because of drugs. The Rawalpindi express did not name the cricketers but made his case while urging youngsters to stay away from drugs and other such foul practices.

"When I started playing cricket I was told you can't bowl fast and to achieve a good speed of 100 kph I will have to use drugs. But I have always refused to do so," Akhtar was quoted as saying by



APP in Islamabad.

"It was my honor being the speaker/guest of honor at the symbolic drug burning ceremony by the Anti-Narcotics Force of Pakistan. ANF is making efforts to the best of its capacity & resources for a drug-free Pakistan. Play sports, work out & do healthy activities for a bright future," Akhtar said in a social media post.

Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery bowled in ODI cricket. The Pakistan pacer, known for his raw pace, clocked 161 kph against New Zealand in 2002 and consistently clocked in excess of 151 kph during his career.

Akhtar played 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is and scalped 444 international wickets during a celebrated career that spanned 14 years. Akhtar played his last international match for Pakistan in 2010.