Shoaib Akhtar is as big star in India as he is in Pakistan. The 32-year-old pace man has always remained in news for good or bad reasons. He was banned for 5 years earlier in April for breaching the players’ Code of Conduct by publicly criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In November 2006, he got a two-year ban for using the banned substance, Nandrolone. Other than these incidents there were many other controversies in which the Rawalpindi Express was caught! False injuries, fights with in the dressing room, slapping the coach so many controversies were there from time to time.

Despite all these problems and controversies he continues to remain the most popular Pakistan player after Imran Khan. On May 5, 2008 Pakistan board decided not to pursue the Defamation case against Akhtar. The five years ban is still in place but he has been given the time to play for King Khan’s team. From June 4 the five-year ban will be effective again.

Sourav Ganguly is the happiest man after Akhtar himself, who is waiting for him to play and launch attack against all the rivals. There are hopes that Ganguly’s struggling side can turn things around quickly with the blazing balling by Akhtar.

Shoaib is possibly one of those players who can emerge a T20 specialist because he will not have to bowl more than four overs. He can take the maximum benefit from the lesser number of overs. All the eyes are on Akhtar. When the time is running out for every team in T20 tournament, Entry of such a player in Kolkata team may turn the tables on the rivals.

The T20 tournament has become bigger than many other things that is why he is here to play instead of serving a five-year ban. Pakistan Cricket Board’s suspension of the ban for a month is unprecedented. It remains to be seen that whom he replaces today in Kolkata team.

The presence of fast and furious Shoaib Akhtar in Kolkata has sent the cricket supporters into a tizzy. Everybody is waiting to see him in action. More interesting will be the outcome of his participation. It remains to be seen that whether he takes his team towards the victory or gets involved in any new controversy! Whatever may be the result but Shoaib’s presence will add extra spark to the tournament. The glamour quotient is bound to shoot up with Akhtar on the ground! So let’s wait and watch what explodes when Rawalpindi express gets in the top gear!