Shoaib Akhtar was born on August 13, 1975 (50 years old) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He is known as one of the most thrilling cricketers ever. People call him the “Rawalpindi Express” because he bowled faster than anyone else in cricket history.
Shoaib’s top speed of 161.3 km/h made him a nightmare for batsmen and a hero for fans.
Some of his best moments were in big matches against India and in the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.
After retiring, Shoaib stayed in the public eye. He became a cricket expert on TV and started his own YouTube channel.
Keep reading Shoaib Akhtar’s Wiki to learn more about his wife, kids, family, education, career, net worth, facts and more.
Shoaib Akhtar Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Shoaib Akhtar |
| Profession | Former international cricketer, current cricket commentator & YouTuber |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1975 |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Morgah, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Current Address | Pakistan |
| Email ID | contact@shoaibakhtar.net |
Shoaib Akhtar Wife & Children
Shoaib Akhtar is happily married to Rubab Khan. The two got married on November 11, 2014, in a quiet ceremony held in Haripur, Pakistan. It was a simple family event, away from all the media and public attention.
Back then, their marriage came as a surprise to many fans because Shoaib had kept the whole thing very private.
Rubab was just 21 when she married Shoaib, who was already a famous cricket star. Even though the an age gap, they’ve built a strong and happy relationship.
Together, Shoaib and Rubab have three beautiful children:
- Mohammad Mikaeel Ali, their first son, was born in November 2016. Shoaib often shares photos with Mikaeel, expressing how becoming a father changed his life for the better.
- Their second son, Mohammad Mujaddid Ali, was born in July 2019. Shoaib has described him as playful and full of energy.
- In March 2024, Shoaib and Rubab welcomed their third child, a daughter named Nooreh Ali. Shoaib shared the news with his fans on social media, calling her the “princess of his heart.”
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Rubab Khan |
| Children | Sons: Mohammad Mikaeel Ali, Mohammad Mujaddid Ali Daughter: Nooreh Ali |
Shoaib Akhtar Family
Shoaib’s family lived a simple life. They didn’t have a lot of money, but they were close and supported each other. Shoaib often says that his success would not have been possible without his family’s love and support.
Father – Mohammad Akhtar
Shoaib’s father was Mohammad Akhtar. He worked as a night watchman at a petrol pump in Rawalpindi. Life was not easy, but his father worked hard to support the family.
Shoaib has spoken about how his father was strict but also taught him discipline and hard work.
Mother – Hameeda Awan
His mother’s name is Hameeda Awan. She was a loving and caring woman who looked after all the children.
Shoaib has always shown great respect for her and often mentions how important she was in shaping his early life.
Brothers
Shoaib has three older brothers:
- Shahid Akhtar
- Tahir Akhtar
- Obaid Akhtar
The brothers were very close growing up. They helped each other during tough times and stood by Shoaib when he was starting his cricket journey.
Sister
He also has one younger sister named Shumaila. Shoaib has shared in interviews how much he cares for his sister and family overall. However, many details about his sister are yet to be updated.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Mohammad Akhtar Mother: Hameeda Awan |
| Siblings | Brothers: Shahid, Tahir, Obaid Sister: Shumaila |
Shoaib Akhtar Education
Shoaib Akhtar studied at Elliot High School in Rawalpindi during his early years.
After finishing school, he joined Asghar Mall College, also in Rawalpindi, for his higher studies. He completed his college-level graduation before fully committing to a career in cricket.
Although cricket took over his life at a young age, Shoaib has always shown respect for education and has encouraged young fans to value both sports and studies.
| School | Elliot High School, Rawalpindi |
| Alma Mater | Asghar Mall College, Rawalpindi |
| Highest Qualification | Graduate |
Shoaib Akhtar Career
Shoaib Akhtar began his cricket journey in the early 1990s. He started playing List A cricket in the 1993–94 season and made his first-class debut in 1994–95.
His rapid pace quickly caught attention, earning him a spot on Pakistan A’s 1996 tour to England. There, his strong performance led to his Test debut in November 1997 against the West Indies in Rawalpindi.
International Breakthrough
In November 1997, Shoaib debuted in Test cricket and followed up with his ODI debut on March 28, 1998, versus Zimbabwe.
A big moment in his career came in early 1999 when he got both Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid out one after the other in a match in Calcutta.
This made people start calling him the “Rawalpindi Express” and helped him become famous.
World Cups and Record Pace
Shoaib played a key role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaigns, especially in 1999 and 2003.
In the 2003 World Cup, he bowled the fastest recorded delivery at 161.3 km/h. His extreme pace and accuracy made him a lethal option in major tournaments.
Controversies & Injuries
The high demands of fast bowling brought injuries and controversies. Between 2004 and 2008, he battled multiple injuries and faced bans, including one related to nandrolone in 2006.
Despite these setbacks, he returned with a strong series in England in 2005, and silencing critics.
Final Years & Retirement
Shoaib’s last Test appearance was in December 2007. He retired from international cricket after the 2011 World Cup, concluding a career that began in 1997.
After retiring, he transitioned into commentary and launched a YouTube channel, where he provides candid cricket insights.
| Year | Role / Event | Team / Network |
| 1993–95 | Began List A and first-class cricket | Domestic (Pakistan PIA trials) |
| 1997 | Test debut (Rawalpindi vs West Indies) | Pakistan National Team |
| 1998 | ODI debut (Zimbabwe) | Pakistan National Team |
| 1999 | Breakthrough performance in Calcutta | Asian Test Championship / Pakistan |
| 2003 | Bowled 161.3 km/h in the World Cup | Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup |
| 2005 | Starred in Test series against England (17 wickets) | Pakistan National Team |
| 2006–08 | Injuries and banned over nandrolone issues | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| 2007 | Last Test match | Pakistan National Team |
| 2011 | Retired after the World Cup | Pakistan National Team |
| 2011–Present | TV Commentator, Cricket Analyst & YouTuber | Various channels & YouTube |
Awards and Achievements
Unfortunately, full details of Shoaib’s awards are limited. Major accolades are outlined below:
| Year | Award | Reason / Category |
| 1999 | Asia Test Champion | Key performance vs India in Calcutta |
| 2005 | Man of the Series | 3-Test series vs England (17 wickets) |
Controversies
Shoaib Akhtar’s cricket journey wasn’t just about speed and records, it was also marked by several controversies. Known for his bold nature, he often made headlines for actions both on and off the field.
Here are some of the major incidents that stirred public and media attention:
| Year | Controversy | Details |
| 2003 | Ball-tampering accusation | Fined during a tri-series in Sri Lanka for tampering with the ball. |
| 2006 | Doping scandal (Nandrolone) | Tested positive for a banned substance (nandrolone); banned for two years (later lifted on appeal). |
| 2007 | Dressing room fight with Mohammad Asif | Hit teammate Asif with a bat during the T20 World Cup camp; was sent back home and fined. |
| 2008 | Public criticism of PCB | Banned for 5 years (later reduced) after openly criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board. |
Shoaib Akhtar Net Worth, Salary
Shoaib Akhtar’s overall net worth is estimated at $8 million. His annual salary details are yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $8 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Shoaib Akhtar Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Shoaib Akhtar stands tall at 6 feet (183 cm) and he weighs around 80 kg (176 lbs) and is known for his broad shoulders and muscular frame.
He has black hair and dark brown eyes, and during his playing days, his intense, focused look on the field became one of his trademarks.
| Height | In centimetres: 183 cm In meters: 1.83 m In feet & inches: 6 feet |
| Weight | In kg: 80 kg In lbs: 176 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 44-32-14.5 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Shoaib Akhtar Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube
 @imshoaibakhtar | |
| X |  @shoaib100mph |
 @TheFastestBowler | |
| YouTube |  @ShoaibAkhtar100mph |
Interesting Facts About Shoaib Akhtar
- Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery in cricket history at 161.3 km/h.
- He was once rejected by PIA during trials due to fitness concerns.
- Shoaib took wickets of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in consecutive deliveries in 1999.
- Shoaib is known to be a huge fan of Bollywood movies.
- He once considered joining politics in Pakistan, but later dropped the idea.
- Shoaib has openly spoken about his love for street food in Rawalpindi.
- He turned down multiple acting offers from Bollywood.
- Shoaib’s YouTube channel has millions of followers and is one of the top sports channels from Pakistan.
FAQs
Why is Shoaib Akhtar called the Rawalpindi Express?
Shoaib Akhtar earned this nickname because of his hometown, Rawalpindi, and his incredible speed as a bowler, he was the fastest in cricket history.
What is Shoaib Akhtar’s nickname?
Shoaib Akhtar is famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express.”
When did Shoaib Akhtar retire from cricket?
Shoaib Akhtar retired from international cricket after the 2011 World Cup, ending a thrilling and action-packed career.
Is Shoaib Akhtar married?
Yes, Shoaib Akhtar married Rubab Khan on November 11, 2014, and they have three children together.
What is Shoaib Akhtar doing now?
Shoaib Akhtar works as a cricket analyst, TV expert, and runs a popular YouTube channel where he shares views on cricket and life.
What is Shoaib Akhtar’s fastest ball?
Shoaib Akhtar’s fastest delivery was clocked at 161.3 km/h, bowled against England during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
