# Shoaib Akhtar says 400 Test wickets possible under Imran Khan

2026-08-14T16:08:04+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Shoaib Akhtar said he could have taken 400 Test wickets had he played under Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain he considers his dream leader. The 51-year-old finished with 178 wickets in 46 Tests and retired during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with captain Shahid Afridi. Speaking on a Geo TV show, Akhtar pointed to his first-class record of more than 400 wickets and said Imran's fiery leadership would have helped him learn. He also spoke about his complicated relationship with Wasim Akram and the physical toll of fast bowling, including draining fluid from knees and needing five hours to recover after matches.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/shoaib-akhtar-imran-khan-400-test-wickets-regret-2971491-2026-08-14?utm_source=rss>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/shoaib-akhtar-on-imran-khans-impact-and-his-test-wicket-potential/20260814.htm>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/shoaib-akhtar-reveals-captain-who-couldve-changed-his-career-not-wasim-akram-11910747>

Tags: Imran Khan, Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram
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