Throughout its storied history, cricket has produced numerous exceptional players, sparking endless debates over who deserves the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). From legendary batters who have dominated bowling attacks to bowlers who have rattled the best of lineups, the discussion over the ultimate cricketer remains a never-ending topic. While some argue in favor of all-rounders who have excelled in multiple aspects of the game, others highlight the impact of specialist players who redefined their roles.
Shoaib Akhtar names the GOAT cricketer
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar recently shared his thoughts on the GOAT cricketer and named Saqlain Mushtaq as his top pick. Speaking on Tapmad, Akhtar praised the legendary off-spinner for his revolutionary contributions to the game.
“I had not seen the talent that existed at that time. We used to think of winning the final in every tournament at that time. We have played many finals in our time. You see Saqlain Mushtaq… he invented the Doosra. It had never been invented in cricket. Saqlain Mushtaq proved it. I consider him the greatest of all time, I have never seen an off-spinner like him till date,” Akhtar said.
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Akhtar on the talent in the 90s era
Akhtar also reflected on the immense talent in Pakistan’s squad during the 1990s, calling it the most dangerous team of its time. He pointed out that Pakistan had multiple match-winners, including Wasim Akram across all departments.
“The talent that I saw in the Pakistan team in the 90s and mid-90s is not there now. The Pakistan team of that time was the most dangerous. I have not seen such talent in any team till date. All the players in the team at that time were match winners. Shahid Afridi was winning matches. Wasim Akram was winning matches. Waqar was winning matches. Saqlain Mushtaq was winning matches with his bowling,” he added.