As a kid and then as a teenager he played tape-ball cricket with his friends on the streets and grounds of Karak. The fastest delivery recorded in international cricket is Akhtar’s 161.3kph screamer, which he bowled in an ODI match against England in 2003 at Newlands.Speaking about his struggles, the bowler said: “Since childhood, I love playing cricket and used to play tape ball in my village. When I gave the trials, I bowled around 146 kph then I came to NCA and coaches have worked hard with me,” he said.Pakistan will begin their campaign against Scotland next week on Sunday. Watch Queue Queue. Akif, a discovery of the NCA Remote Areas Programme has made his way to the Pakistan team set to take part in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup that will be played in Bangladesh later this month.The 19-year-old Akif was born in Karak which is a remote town some 130 kilometres away from Peshawar. “I entered the National T20 with the aim of becoming the fastest bowler in the world, I am happy with my performance in the event.”“My most memorable wicket of the tournament was Mohammad Hafeez’s,” he added.The 19-year-old is also grateful for the support he got from the coaches at NCA, Lahore.“The coaches at NCA worked really hard with me. The 19-year-old, who is included in Pakistan’s U19 squad, has huge ambitions for himself when the tournament begins in South Africa. The left-armer revealed that he tries to copy Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir and called him his favourite bowler.“My favourite bowler is Mohammad Amir and I also try to copy him and focus on the swing just like him. Watch Queue Queue “I was also told about the importance of fitness and the training that I did at the academy has been of great benefit.”“The Remote Areas camp helped many youngsters like me and we might see many other stars emerge from these activities in the future.”Akif has made rapid strides in a very short time, not long ago his family used to dislike his interest in cricket but his performances in the National T20 and his selection in the Pakistan team for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup has changed their perception, he now has their backing and prayers as he begins the pursuit of what promises to be a hugely rewarding career. His side narrowly lost the tournament final to Northern.The youngster is particularly inspired by former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.“I was inspired by Shoaib Akhtar and started playing cricket as I wanted to emulate his feats,” said Akif. This video is unavailable. Left-arm pacer made a big impression in the recently concluded National T20 tournament in FaisalabadLeft-handed batsman Fawad Alam was included in Pakistan's playing XI after more than a decade
Jofra Archer questions Naseem Shah’s bowling strategy in Manchester TestPakistan team staying in three-star hotels on England tourWATCH: Abbas, Naseem shine on day one of four-day practice gameHarsha Bhogle questions Babar Azam’s initial effectiveness in T20 cricketPakistan became number one in T20Is by beating ‘not so great’ opponents: BhogleWho will be Pakistan's highest run-scorer during upcoming England Tests?Karak-born left-arm pacer Akif Javed has made a big impression already in a very short domestic career. Akif used to work at the shop yet pursued his dream of becoming a cricket star in his spare time.As a kid and then as a teenager he played tape-ball cricket with his friends on the streets and grounds of Karak. Cricket, like the rest of the country is the most popular sport here and youngsters are seen playing cricket on large fields and grounds across the area.Akif’s talent, skill, persistence and determination provided him rich rewards in the shape of his selection for the Remote Areas camp that was staged at the prestigious National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.Akif had some big challenges to overcome; he had to help his father as a shopkeeper in order to make ends meet for his family. I was taught about the basics of bowling and that helped me immensely in my performances in the National T20,” he said. One such player from Pakistan is fast bowler Akif Javed. In a video uploaded on Pakistan Cricket Board official Youtube account, Javed said that he wants to emulate Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar.“I want to become the fastest bowler like Shoaib Akhtar. Akif had some big challenges to overcome; he had to help his father as a shopkeeper in order to make ends meet for his family. Karak-born left-arm pacer Akif Javed has made a big impression already in a very short domestic career. Ever since its inaugural season in 2016, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has kept getting better and better ever edition. One such player from Pakistan is fast bowler Akif Javed. My fastest delivery is 145 but my aim is to bowl the fastest bowl in the history of cricket,” he was quoted as saying arysports.tv. After Vince dispatched emerging left-arm pacer Akif Javed for 21 runs in the only over he bowled, Multan Sultans’ victory was never in doubt. Akif used to work at the shop yet pursued his dream of becoming a cricket star in his spare time. Akif, a discovery of the NCA Remote Areas Programme has made his way to the Pakistan team set to take part in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup that will be played in Bangladesh later this month. I worked with my father in a shop and at the same time had to focus on my cricket too but while working most of the time I couldn’t concentrate on my work and the only thing in my mind was cricket.”Javed recently grabbed the spotlight when he dismissed Pakistan veteran Mohammad Hafeez in the recently concluded National T20 Cup in Faislabad.