Biography: Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is widely regarded as one of the game’s fastest bowlers. He was born in Morgah, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on August 13, 1975. As a batsman, Akhtar began his cricket career, but he was initially overlooked as a bowler. However, he put a lot of effort into improving his bowling and soon became one of the world’s fastest bowlers. He made his Pakistani debut in 1997 and quickly became a key player for the team.
Akhtar participated in 46 Test matches throughout his career and took 178 wickets at an average of 25.69. He also took 247 wickets at an average of 24.97 in 163 One-Day Internationals. Throughout his playing career, he remained one of the world’s most exciting and feared bowlers despite injuries and controversy.
When Akhtar bowled a delivery that was clocked at 100.04 mph in a World Cup match against England in 2002, he became the first bowler in history to do so. In addition, he holds the record for the fastest cricket delivery, which was measured at 161.3 kilometers per hour (100.23 miles per hour) during a match against England in 2003.
After a long and turbulent career, Akhtar announced his retirement from international cricket in 2011. Since then, he has been a commentator and analyst for a number of television networks. He has also written a book about his life and work called “Controversially Yours.”
Akhtar was known for his explosive pace and aggressive bowling style throughout his career. He was well-liked by cricket fans and is still considered one of the game’s most famous and iconic players.
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1975
- Age: 47 years
- Birthplace: Rawalpindi
- Wife: Rubab Khan (m. 2014)
- Children: Muhammad Mikaeel Ali
- Height: 1.82 m
- Brother: Shahid Akhtar, Tahir Akhtar, Obaid Akhtar
- Sister: Shumaila Akhtar
- Father: Mohammad Akhtar,
- Mother: Hameeda Awan
- Batting style: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm fast
- Role: Bowler
- Test debut: 29 November 1997
- Last Test: 8 December 2007
- ODI debut: 28 March 1998
- Last ODI: 8 March 2011
- T20I debut: 28 August 2006
- Last T20I: 28 December 2010
- shirt no: 14
Shoaib Akhtar Lifestyle
Shoaib Akhtar, a celebrity and former cricket player, has experienced a variety of highs and lows in his life. Diet and fitness: One of the fittest and most athletic cricketers of his time was Shoaib Akhtar. Throughout his career, he kept up a rigorous workout routine and a strict diet to stay in shape.
Autos and luxuries: Akhtar has been seen driving some of the most expensive and opulent automobiles on the road due to his love of fast cars. He has also been known to post photos of his expensive cars and exotic travels to his social media accounts to show off his lifestyle.
Controversies: Akhtar’s career was frequently marred by controversy, including allegations of doping, ball-tampering, and misconduct. He was also known for being outspoken, which frequently got him into trouble with the authorities in cricket and his teammates.
Philanthropy: Throughout his career, Akhtar has been involved in a number of charitable endeavors despite his controversial persona. He has contributed to numerous charitable endeavors, including healthcare, education, and aid to victims of natural disasters.
An online presence: On social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he discusses cricket and other subjects, Akhtar has a large following. In addition, he interacts with his fans through live videos and Q&A sessions. In general, Shoaib Akhtar has led the life of a well-known athlete and celebrity, one marked by controversy, fame, and charitable work.
Shoaib Akhtar Statistics​
- Matches in Tests: Shoaib Akhtar took 178 wickets for Pakistan in 46 Test matches, scoring 12 five-wicket and two ten-wicket hauls in a match. His average was 25.69.
- International One-Day Games (ODIs): Akhtar took 247 wickets in 163 one-day internationals, averaging 24.97, including four five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul in a match.
- Records from bowling: Akhtar holds a number of impressive bowling records, including being the first bowler in history to bowl at 100 mph and having the most wickets taken by a Pakistani bowler in a calendar year in Test cricket.
- Record from Batting: Akhtar was best known for his bowling, but he was also a good lower-order batsman. His highest Test score was 47, while his lowest ODI score was 32*.
Shoaib Akhtar Records
- Fastest Delivery: The fastest cricket delivery ever recorded, at 161.3 kilometers per hour (100.23 miles per hour), was performed by Shoaib Akhtar in a match against England in 2003.
- First to break 100mph barrier: When Akhtar bowled a delivery that was clocked at 100.04 mph in a World Cup match against England in 2002, he became the first bowler in history to do so.
- The most wickets in a year: Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for Pakistani Test bowlers taking the most wickets in a calendar year. In 2002, he took 78 wickets.
- Best Test cricket strike rate: Among all Pakistani bowlers with at least 100 wickets, Akhtar has the highest strike rate in Test cricket. Every 45.7 balls, he took a wicket.
- Best bowling figures in an inning:: In a 2002 Test match in Lahore, Akhtar’s best bowling performance was 6/11 against New Zealand. His best ODI score was 5/19 against New Zealand in 2002 in Sharjah.
- The majority of international cricket hat tricks: One of only two bowlers in the history of cricket to have scored more than one hat trick in international cricket is Shoaib Akhtar. In one-day internationals, he scored a hat trick against Sri Lanka in 1999 and New Zealand in 2002.
Shoaib Akhtar Awards
- Best Cricketer in Wisden: In 2005, Shoaib Akhtar was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year, one of the most prestigious individual awards in cricket.
- Pride of Performance: For his contributions to cricket, the Pakistani government presented him with the “Pride of Performance” in 2014, one of the country’s highest civilian honors.
- Best Player in the ICC: Akhtar won the ICC Player of the Year award in 1999, which recognizes the best player in international cricket.
- Most Outstanding Asian Test Player: In 2002, Shoaib Akhtar won the Asian Test Player of the Year award for his outstanding performance that year.
- The Year’s Best Bowler: He was named Pakistan Cricket Board’s Best Bowler of the Year in 2003.
- Achievement Award: In recognition of his popularity and contributions to the sport, the Asian Awards presented Akhtar with the “Celebrity of the Year” award in 2005.
Shoaib Akhtar Family
He was raised with his parents, three brothers, and a sister in a joint family. In 2014, Akhtar wed Rubab Khan. The two of them have a son named Muhammad Mikaeel Ali. Throughout Akhtar’s childhood, the family struggled financially because his father was a vegetable vendor. However, his father encouraged him to pursue his passion and was supportive of his goal to play cricket.
Tahir and Shahid Akhtar, Akhtar’s brothers, were also fans of cricket and played for Rawalpindi in domestic cricket. Shahid played first-class cricket, while Tahir had a brief stint with the Pakistani national team. Overall, Shoaib Akhtar’s family has been an important source of support throughout his life. His father’s encouragement was a big part of his rise to cricket stardom