Who is Shoaib Akhtar? Know About His Relationships, Family, Career, Stats and More

Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. He is a Pakistani cricketer who has fiery aggression on the field and is known for his fast bowling match-winning spells. Akhtar made his international Test debut in 1997 by playing against the West Indies, and officially announced his retirement after the 2011 ICC World Cup.

Although he continues to stay connected to the cricket world as a commentator, sports analyst, and a coach. Akhtar is a Guinness World Record holder, as in 2003, he bowled the fastest ball in cricket, clocking at 161.3 km/h. He was a part of Pakistan's team during the 1999 World Cup and 2005 ICC Champions Trophy and gave an impressive performance in the league.

Shoaib Akhtar Biography

The Pakistani cricketer, Soaib Akhtar, was born in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, on August 13, 1975. He is celebrated as the fastest bowler in cricket history while playing for the Pakistan national team. Akhtar had a passion for cricket from a very young age and thus wanted to pursue his passion for cricket as a career. He faced a lot of struggles during his initial days, but practiced cricket by playing in local tournaments. Akhtar sharpened his cricket skills, after which he started playing in domestic cricket. His consistency and dedication earned him a place in the national team, where he continues to inspire the young generation.

Shoaib Akhtar Religion & Caste

Shoaib Akhtar is a muslim and has faith in the religious values and beliefs of his religion. He comes from a muslim rajput family in Rawalpindi and always stays connected to his roots. Akhtar is proud of his culture and celebrates all the major festivals together.

Shoaib Akhtar Family

Shoaib Akhtar was brought up in a loving and supportive family that encouraged him a lot in his cricket career. Both his father and mother sacrificed a lot in their life to help him become a successful cricketer. Akhtar's parents and family had faith in his abilities and thus wanted him to pursue his passion. He gives the credit for his success to his siblings and parents, who have stood still with him throughout his journey.

Shoaib Akhtar Father

The fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar's father, is Mohammad Akhtar, who worked as a night watchman and still supported his son's dream to become a cricketer. Despite all the challenges faced, Mohammad got his son admission in a cricket academy and made him learn the value of hard work and discipline.

Shoaib Akhtar Mother

Shoaib Akhtar's mother is Hameeda Awan, who was a homemaker and was always available to support her son emotionally in his career. Hameeda also instilled good values in him and inspired him to become a better person, both on and off the field.

Shoaib Akhtar Brother

The Pakistani cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, has three elder brothers named Shahid Akhtar, Tahir Akhtar, and Obaid Akhtar. They were all brought up together and had immense love among themselves. The brothers used to play and practice cricket together, which helped AKhtar in his career.

Shoaib Akhtar Sister

Shoaib Akhtar has a younger sister, Shumaila Akhtar, who was the only sister of four brothers. All the siblings loved each other a lot and stayed together for a very long time. They all supported each other in every decision of life and career.

Shoaib Akhtar Instagram

Shoaib Akhtar has an Instagram account under the name of @imshoaibakhtar, where he has more than 3 million followers and has posted around 1,620 posts. However, we do not have access to his account in India due to the rising tensions between the two nations.

Shoaib Akhtar Twitter

The fast bowler, Wasim Akram, has an X [formerly Twitter] account under the handle @shoaib100mph. In India, we cannot access his account due to the same reason. We will inform you if his account is available to be viewed in India.

Shoaib Akhtar Facebook

Shoaib Akhtar has a Facebook account under the name of @Shoaib Akhtar, but we do not have access to this account in India. We will let you know once the account is available to be viewed.

Shoaib Akhtar Jersey Number

Shoaib Akhtar wears the jersey number 14 while playing in international cricket for Pakistan. He also wore the same jersey number while playing in doemstic cricket and franchise T20 leagues.

Shoaib Akhtar Relationship

The “Rawalpindi Express”, Shoaib Akhtar, was in a relationship with Rubab Khan, who is now his wife. Despite their age difference of 18 years, the couple enjoys a strong and loving bond. Akhtar and Rubab got married in 2014, when they were 39 and 12, respectively. They love each other a lot and are seen together in many award shows and events.

Shoaib Akhtar Wife

Shoaib Akhtar wife is Rubab Khan, who is known for her grace and simplicity. She was born in Haripur, Pakistan, and got married to him on June 25, 2014. Rubab gave constant support to her husband, and they have a beautiful son together named Muhammad Mikaeel AKhtar.

Shoaib Akhtar Net Worth & Salary

As of 2025, Shoaib Akhtar net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, which is approximately ₹190 crores. His total net worth is calculated after including his earlier PCB central contract, different match fees, domestic salaries, franchise leagues salaries, commentary salaries, coaching roles, and endorsement deals. Akhtar received an A+ central contract during his playing career, worth ₹200,000 PKR through his PCB central contract, and above that, received different match fees. He also played in the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders and earned $200,000.

Akhtar also generates between $77,600 – $466,000 annually from his YouTube channel, where he has 3 million+ subscribers. After retiring from international cricket, he is into commentary and coaching roles, where he earns between $250,000 – $350,000 USD annually. Akhtar has also signed endorsement deals with major brands like Pepsi, Samsung, LG, Nivea Men, and Total Parco.

Shoaib Akhtar Career

Shoaib Akhtar career as one of the fastest bowlers in the world has been remarkable. He made his debut in 1997, and he soon became renowned for his raw pace and fierce aggression. Akhtar was the best bowler in the world when he used to play across different formats. His record-breaking delivery of 161.3 km/h in 2003 remains legendary in cricket history. Akhtar has played equally well in international cricket and domestic cricket, which has established him as one of the consistent cricketers of his time. He was the leading wicket-taker of Pakistan and helped his team win many important matches.

International Career

The Pakistani cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, made his Test debut on November 29, 1997, against the West Indies. He made his ODI debut on March 28, 1998, against Zimbabwe, and then played his first T20I match on August 28, 2006, against England. Akhtar has played 163 ODI matches, in which he has taken a total of 247 wickets with an average of 24.97. He has played 46 Test matches and has taken a total of 178 wickets with an average of 25.69.

Akhtar has also played 15 T20I matches, in which he took a total of 19 wickets with an average of 22.73. In his international career, he has taken a total of 16 four-wicket hauls, 16 five-wicket hauls, and 2 ten-wicket hauls, impressing everyone with his performance.

Other Leagues Career

Apart from his international career, Shoaib Akhtar has played exceptionally well in the other franchise T20 leagues. He made his indian Premier League debut in 2008 for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Akhtar played 3 matches in the IPL and has taken a total of 5 wickets with an average of 10.80, including a four-wicket haul. He has also been a part of Vitality Blast and has played for two teams, including Worcestershire and Durban. In 4 matches played, AKhtar has taken a total of 2 wickets and given an outstanding performance.

Shoaib Akhtar Achievements & Awards

Shoaib Akhtar has achieved a lot in his international as well as domestic career. In the 1999 ICC World Cup, he helped Pakistan reach the finals and was also the Player of the Match during the World Cup semi-finals. Akhtar gave an impressive performance during the 1999 Test match against India and dismissed Rahul Dravid & Sachin Tendulkar on consecutive deliveries.

In 2003, he made a Guinness World Record by bowling at the highest speed of 161.3 km/h against England in a World Cup match. Akhtar gave his best ODI performance against New Zealand by taking 6 wickets. In 2005, he became a leading wicket-taker for Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy league.