Who Is Shoaib Akhtar? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Shoaib Akhtar, known for his lightning-fast bowling, was born on August 13, 1975. As of 2025, he is 49 years old. He made his first-class debut in 1993 and went on to become one of the most fearsome bowlers in cricket history. Nicknamed the "Rawalpindi Express," Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery bowled in cricket history at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph). After retiring from international cricket in 2011, he has remained a prominent figure in the sports world, taking on roles as a commentator, analyst, and cricket coach.
Occupation | Autobiographer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 13, 1975 |
Age | 49 Years |
Birth Place | Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | Pakistan |
Popularity
Shoaib Akhtar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Shoaib Akhtar stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm). Throughout his playing career, he maintained a well-built physique, weighing approximately 165 lbs (75 kg). His athletic build, combined with his speed, made him a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field. Shoaib continues to keep himself fit through a disciplined exercise routine and healthy eating practices.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Shoaib Akhtar is married to Rubab Khan, whom he wed in 2006. The couple has two children together, a son and a daughter. While he has kept much of his personal life private, Akhtar occasionally shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showcasing the bond they share. His relationship with his family remains a cornerstone of his life, often reflecting the importance of support and loyalty throughout his career.
His father, Mohammad Akhtar, whom Shoaib describes as very religious and “from a hardworking, economically unprivileged family of the Gujjar community”, worked as a night watchman at a petrol station belonging to the Attock oil refinery, and married his mother, Hameeda Awan, when she was a teenager, and they had five children: four sons, Shoaib
being the fourth, followed by a daughter, while his name, which in Arabic means both “the one who brings people together” and “the one who separates”, was chosen by his mother.
Net Worth and Salary
Shoaib Akhtar's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $15 million. His lucrative earnings come not only from his time as a professional cricketer but also from various endorsement deals, television appearances, and his role as a cricket analyst. Akhtar has also ventured into business, which has further contributed to his wealth. He is known to be an astute investor, often sharing insights on investment opportunities with his followers.
On 1 April 2008, Akhtar was banned for five years for violating the players' code of conduct. The ban extended to all cricket for and in Pakistan.
Despite the ban not preventing him from playing in the Indian Premier League, the IPL governing council decided not to allow Akhtar to play in the tournament until the end of the ban or unless it is lifted.
IS Bindra, a member of the council, was quoted as saying, "Even though they [the PCB] have cleared him to play for IPL, we felt that international discipline needs to be respected." Meanwhile, Akhtar vowed to go to great lengths to fight the ban, "I will appeal, as is my right.
If that fails I will go to court, if that fails then I will go to the Supreme Court." On 3 April, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf served a legal notice on Akhtar, calling on him to retract statements he made to a news channel, alleging the ban was punishment in return for refusing to give the chairman a share of his earnings from the I
ndian Premier League, Ashraf also sought damages of Rs 100 million (approximately US$1.6 million) for "defaming him personally" and an additional Rs 100 million to the Pakistan Cricket Board for "sullying the name of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket team." A three-man appellate tribunal announced on 30 April that they had tempora
rily upheld Akhtar's five-year ban, deciding to revisit the appeal hearing in June.
Despite Akhtar's later retracting his claims and also issuing an unconditional apology for "any grief or embarrassment that may have been caused to the nation, particularly to the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf", Ashraf's legal counsel filed a Rs 220 million (approx.
US$3.37 million) defamation suit against Akhtar in a civil court in Lahore on 2 May. On 4 May, the Pakistan Cricket Board's appellate tribunal suspended the five-year ban for one month, until they reconvene on 4 June, allowing Akhtar to take part in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
A day later, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that they will no longer pursue the defamation suit following a reconciliation between Akhtar and chairman Nasim Ashraf at the house of Rehman Malik, a key political official, in Islamabad.
"My honour has been vindicated and now the defamation lawsuit will not be pursued," Ashraf was quoted as saying.
Career, Business, and Investments
Shoaib Akhtar had a stellar career marked by numerous accolades and records. He played for the Pakistan national team, participating in 46 Test matches and 163 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Since retirement, he has ventured into various business opportunities, including sports management and cricket academies. Akhtar is also known for his outspoken nature on sports-related issues and has developed a successful YouTube channel where he discusses cricket and shares his insights on the game.
After some struggle, starting his List A career during the 1993/1994 season and his first-class career in 1994/1995, he caught the eye of Majid Khan, then the chief executive of the PCB, and after a good performance for the Pakistan A team's tour of England, in 1996, he was rewarded with his maiden Test cap against the West Indies in 1997.
Social Network
Shoaib Akhtar has maintained a strong presence on social media platforms. He is active on Instagram and Twitter, where he engages with fans and shares his thoughts on cricket and other topics. His social media presence showcases not only his professional insights but also personal anecdotes, making him a beloved figure among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Shoaib Akhtar (born 13 August 1975) is a Pakistani former international cricketer and commentator. Nicknamed the "Rawalpindi Express", he is the fastest bowler in cricketing history, with an unbeaten 161.3 kmph (100.23 mph) delivery.
Akhtar made his Test match debut in November 1997 as an opening fast bowler and played his first One Day International three months later. Post-retirement, he began a YouTube career by starting his own channel, where he gives reviews on International and league matches and Pakistani cricket.
Education
Shoaib Akhtar attended Aligarh Muslim University, where he completed his education while also pursuing his cricketing career. His educational background provided him with the necessary knowledge and skills, aiding him in his post-retirement endeavors in the business and analytical side of sports.
In conclusion, Shoaib Akhtar continues to remain an influential figure in cricket, both for his on-field speed and performance and his off-field contributions to the game’s growth and analysis. As he embarks on his journey in 2025, fans and followers eagerly await what the future holds for the "Rawalpindi Express."
A good student, Akhtar was admitted to the Asghar Mall College, but he disrupted his studies to attend trials for the PIA team's Karachi division to be held in Lahore. Lacking the money for a bus ticket, he waited for the bus to start and got onto the roof.