The world’s fastest bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, has secured a major new assignment. The former Pakistan pacer has been appointed as the mentor of Dhaka Capitals for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 season. Despite having limited coaching experience, the franchise has placed its trust in Akhtar’s cricketing intellect and vast international exposure.

Shoaib Akhtar, who holds the world record for the fastest delivery in cricket at 161.3 km/h, will now be seen guiding players from the sidelines. His aggressive mindset and on-field experience are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategy.

Shoaib Akhtar’s career
Akhtar has an impressive international record to his name. He picked up 178 wickets in 46 Test matches, 247 wickets in 163 ODIs, and 19 wickets in T20 internationals for Pakistan. Although he has rarely taken up coaching roles, he did serve as the head coach of the State Bank of Pakistan team in 2014. His return to a coaching setup marks an interesting shift in his post-cricket career.

The challenge ahead
A tough task awaits Shoaib Akhtar. Dhaka Capitals had a disastrous run last season, losing 11 consecutive matches and winning only one. Rebuilding the squad and uplifting the team’s morale will be his first big challenge. Interestingly, Akhtar has often been vocal about poor coaching decisions in Pakistan cricket — now he will get the opportunity to prove his own approach on the field.