Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, famous as “Rawalpindi Express”, was the first bowler to break the 100mph mark in the 2003 World Cup. Akhtar, in a BBC Doosra Podcast, recalled a few key moments of his career.

The 44-year-old recollected how he had trained for bowling 100mph at the 2003 World Cup. He also talked about his altercation with former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden and English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Akhtar talked about his his relationship with Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, whom he had once wrestled within a hotel room.

Akhtar, in a conversation with BBC, stated breaking the 100mph barrier ‘wasn’t a big deal’ for him. He recalled how he used to run with 170 kgs weight on his back, taking 20 kgs off after every 100 metre run. The former Pakistani cricketer also recollected having bowled with things much heavier than a cricket ball from 26 yards and added that the process helped him gain pace with his bowling.

He also narrated stories about his relationship with former Pakistan teammates and his Indian colleagues from across the border. The Rawalpindi Express recalled how he broke Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s back and added that he had also broken Shahid Afridi’s rib by hugging him too tightly. Akhtar said ‘my way of loving people is a bit wild. It was being stupid in my younger days but I never realised my power.’

The former Pakistan speedster represented the national team in 163 One Day Internationals, taking  247 wickets. He made his cricketing debut against West Indies in 1997.

Akhtar narrated how he got into a few fights during his career but also maintained a great relationship with his teammates. However, he admitted to the fact that while he enjoyed playing cricket with them he never enjoyed hanging out with the same group.

The fast bowler also narrated his altercation with English cricketer Andrew Flintoff in the 2005 ICC Series. Flintoff had called him unfit. Akhtar claimed to have given a befitting reply to Flintoff on the field, by getting him out a few times during the series.