Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth13 August 1975
Age49 Years
BirthplaceMorgah, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
ProfessionFormer Pakistani Cricketer
NationalityPakistani
Marital statusMarried
SpouseRubab Khan
FamilySon - Muhammad Mikaeel Ali; Parents - Mohammad Akhtar and Hameeda Awan; Siblings - Shahid, Tahir, Obaid, Shumaila
Shoaib Akhtar Biography
One of Pakistan’s most feared fast bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar is best known for clocking the fastest delivery in cricket history. His long international career
Early life and backgroundShoaib Akhtar was born on 13 August 1975 in Morgah, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Raised in Rawalpindi, he attended Elliot High School and later studied at Asghar Mall College. He grew up in modest circumstances and has described a difficult childhood that included serious financial hardship. Akhtar did not pick up a cricket ball seriously until his mid-teens; he began bowling in public at about age 15 and only started playing competitive cricket in earnest around 19 or 20.
Career
Akhtar emerged as a raw and fast-paced left-field talent from the streets of Rawalpindi. He was noticed by Isthaq Shah, who helped open doors to higher-level cricket. Known for an exceptionally long run-up and a fearsome pace, Akhtar made his Test debut for Pakistan on 29 November 1997 against the West Indies and his ODI debut on 28 March 1998 against Zimbabwe. He played his first T20 international on 28 August 2006 against England.
Across an international career that spanned more than a decade, Akhtar developed a reputation as one of the quickest bowlers the game has seen. His most notable record came at the 2003 World Cup in Cape Town, when he delivered what was recorded as the fastest ball in cricket history at 161.3 km/h. He also held a streak of remaining not out in 12 successive ODI innings, and many remember a turning point in his career when he dismissed Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar with consecutive deliveries in Kolkata during the 1999 Asian Test Championship.
Akhtar's international retirement dates mark the winding down of an injury-marred career: he retired from Tests on 8 December 2007 against India, finished his T20 international appearances on 28 December 2010 against New Zealand, and played his last ODI on 8 March 2011 versus New Zealand at Pallekele.
Domestic and franchise cricket saw him represent Rawalpindi as well as several overseas teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and English county sides Somerset, Durham and Worcestershire. He wore the number 14 jersey for Pakistan and in other leagues. Akhtar favoured reverse swing as a key weapon and has said that he considered Mohammad Zahid among the fastest bowlers he had seen.
Public profile
Akhtar has been a prominent and often polarising public figure. He earned nicknames such as Rawalpindi Express and Tiger, reflecting his raw speed and aggressive bowling style. Physical details commonly noted about him include a height of approximately 183 cm (6 feet) and an athletic build.
Outside the playing field, Akhtar cultivated interests that include singing, listening to music, watching Hindi films and playing snooker and football. He is a fan of singers such as Kishore Kumar and has named actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan among his favourites. His listed personal preferences also include foods and fragrances, and he has been known for a car and motorcycle collection.
Akhtar's career was punctuated by frequent injuries; he has spoken candidly about chronic pain in his knees and the physical toll fast bowling took on his body. Discipline and conduct issues also featured in his public narrative, with bans and suspensions at various points of his career for on-field incidents and anti-doping matters.
Personal life
Akhtar is married to Rubab Khan; the couple married on 25 June 2014. They have a son, Muhammad Mikaeel Ali. He is the son of Mohammad Akhtar and Hameeda Awan, and he has several elder brothers and a younger sister. Akhtar identifies as Pakistani by nationality and follows Islam. He lists hobbies such as singing and watching films, and has noted non-vegetarian food habits.
Latest updates
After retirement Akhtar remained a visible figure in cricket media. A widely discussed episode occurred in October 2021 when he resigned live from a television panel on PTV during coverage of the T20 World Cup, following a heated exchange with the show's host. He later issued a statement on social media to clarify his version of events.
Throughout and after his playing days, Akhtar’s legacy has been defined by raw pace, moments of brilliance, recurrent fitness problems and a combative public persona. He remains one of the most talked-about fast bowlers in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
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Recent Work
Walked out and resigned during a live PTV show covering the T20 World Cup after an on-air dispute with the host; later posted a video statement on Twitter.
2021Career Highlights
- Recorded the fastest delivery in cricket history at 161.3 km/h (2003 World Cup).
- Made Test debut for Pakistan on 29 November 1997 and ODI debut on 28 March 1998.
- Dismissed Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar with consecutive deliveries in the 1999 Asian Test Championship, a noted turning point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Shoaib Akhtar born?
Shoaib Akhtar was born on 13 August 1975.
What is Shoaib Akhtar known for?
Shoaib Akhtar is known for former Pakistani Cricketer.
What is Shoaib Akhtar’s marital status?
Shoaib Akhtar's marital status is listed as Married.
Who is Shoaib Akhtar married to?
Shoaib Akhtar is publicly listed as married to Rubab Khan.
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