Pakistani · Rawalpindi, Pakistan · Born 13 August 1975Pakistani fast bowler who became the first cricketer to bowl at 100+ mph, earning the nickname 'Rawalpindi Express' for his exceptional pace and aggression.
Shoaib Akhtar was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in 1975. He is the only bowler ever officially recorded at over 100 mph — clocking 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) at the 2003 World Cup. His pace — frightening, inconsistent and thrilling — made him the most discussed individual bowler of his era. He was banned twice for ball-tampering and for doping (nandrolone, 2006). His career was disrupted by injuries, controversies and his own personality. At his best he was genuinely unplayable. He was involved in public disputes with the PCB, teammates and coaches throughout his career.
He bowled the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
How They Played
Akhtar was renowned for his raw pace and ability to bowl consistently above 150 km/h, generating steep bounce and creating genuine fear among batsmen. His bowling action was explosive and athletic, delivering thunderbolts with a long run-up and aggressive follow-through. He possessed a lethal bouncer and yorker, making him particularly dangerous in limited-overs cricket.
Lasting Impact
Akhtar revolutionized fast bowling by pushing the boundaries of speed and proving that extreme pace could be sustained at international level. His record-breaking deliveries inspired a generation of fast bowlers and elevated the importance of speed in modern cricket.
Career Honours
- World Cup runner-up 2003
- Fastest bowling spell (100 mph)
| Club | Period | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore Whites | 1996–1997 | 48 | 184 |
| Rawalpindi | 1997–1998 | 37 | 141 |
| Lahore | 1998–2011 | — | — |
Pakistani Athletes