Shoaib Akhtar is a former Pakistani cricketer who played international cricket from 1997 to 2010. He is one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket and was ranked first by Wisden as a bowler in 2003.
In this article, you will know Shoaib Akhtar’s net worth, salary, endorsement, and personal life.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shoaib Akhtar |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1975 |
| Age | 49 years |
| Education | Graduate (Asghar Mall College, Rawalpindi) |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Turned Pro | 1997 |
| Net Worth | $25 million |
| Salary / Career Earnings | IPL salary: £167,266.40 per season; Monthly digital and media earnings approx. $20K–30K |
| Wife | Rubab Khan |
| Instagram Profile | @imshoaibakhtar |
| Twitter Profile | @shoaib100mph (not officially confirmed) |
Early Career
Shoaib Akhtar grew up in the small town of Morgah near Rawalpindi, where cricket sticks were more common than toys. From a young age he stood out with raw pace, prompting local coaches to guide him toward fast bowling rather than batting.
His brutal speed attracted national selectors, and at just 22 he earned his first Test cap for Pakistan in November 1997. Within that debut match, his fierce bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers hinted at the legend in the making.
A few months later he made his ODI debut, quickly stamping his authority by clocking speeds north of 150 km/h. By the end of his rookie season, Akhtar had already turned heads around the cricketing world, earning the nickname “Rawalpindi Express” and setting the stage for a career defined by blistering pace and fearless aggression.
Professional Career
Over a 13-year international career, Shoaib Akhtar became synonymous with sheer speed. He bowled the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history—161.3 km/h—in the 2003 World Cup, a record that still stands. Despite injuries and controversies, he tallied 178 Test wickets at an average of 25.69 and 247 ODI wickets at 24.97 apiece. His hallmark weapons were lethal bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers that dismantled the world’s best batsmen.
After retiring in 2011, he transitioned into commentary roles for major sports networks and launched a popular YouTube channel, offering candid match reviews and cricket analysis. His outspoken style and deep knowledge of fast bowling have made him a sought-after expert, ensuring that his influence on the game continues long after he hung up his boots.
Wife
Shoaib Akhtar married Rubab Khan in November 2014 in a low-key ceremony arranged by their families. Despite an 18-year age difference, the couple share a close bond rooted in mutual respect and faith.
They welcomed their first son, Mohammad Mikaeel Ali, in November 2016, followed by son Mohammad Mujaddid Ali in July 2019. In March 2024 they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Nooreh Ali.
Akhtar prefers to keep his family life private, often shielding his wife and children from the spotlight. He balances his time between cricket commitments, business ventures, and being a devoted husband and father, cherishing family moments away from cameras and public events.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Net Worth Details
Shoaib Akhtar’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million as of 2025.
Contract
Akhtar held one of the top central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board, categorized as A-list, which paid him around 200,000 PKR per month. His IPL stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008 earned him a one-season salary of £167,266. Post-retirement, his contracts shifted toward media work and brand ambassadorships.
He negotiates short-term deals for commentary assignments in domestic T20 leagues and international series, often commanding substantial fees per appearance. His central role as a cricket analyst and YouTuber is backed by multi-year agreements with sports channels and digital platforms.
Salary
Akhtar’s single-season contract of £167,266 placed him among the better-paid overseas bowlers of 2008. Today, his monthly income from YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and social media partnerships ranges between $20,000 and $30,000.
Additional earnings come from occasional newspaper columns, guest appearances on sports talk shows, and corporate speaking engagements, pushing his annual income from non-playing activities to roughly $250,000–$350,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Contract or Source | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Pakistan Cricket Board (Category A) | 200,000 PKR per month |
| 2008 | IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders | £167,266 per season |
| 2025 | Digital, Commentary & Sponsorship Deals | $250K–350K (estimated) |
Endorsements
Akhtar has lent his name and face to a diverse range of brands. Early in his career he endorsed Bengali cricket equipment and local sportswear. Today, he partners with international beverage brands, tech gadgets, fitness products, and online gaming platforms.
He has featured in campaigns for Pepsi, PUBG Pakistan, LG Electronics, Motorway, and Total Parco, among others. His outspoken personality and massive social media reach of over three million followers make him a premium choice for companies looking to connect with cricket-loving audiences in South Asia and beyond.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 46 | 178 | 25.69 | 45.74 |
| ODI | 163 | 247 | 24.97 | 31.43 |
| T20I | 15 | 19 | 22.73 | 16.73 |
FAQs
1. What made Shoaib Akhtar stand out as a fast bowler?
His raw pace and ability to consistently clock deliveries over 150 km/h set him apart. He combined brutal speed with deadly bouncers and yorkers that troubled top batsmen around the world. Akhtar’s world-record 161.3 km/h ball in the 2003 World Cup remains unmatched.
2. When did Shoaib Akhtar debut for Pakistan?
He made his Test debut on November 29, 1997, against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, showcasing his pace immediately. Three months later, on March 28, 1998, he debuted in One Day Internationals against Zimbabwe in Harare and quickly became a vital strike bowler.
3. How much is Shoaib Akhtar worth in 2025?
Shoaib Akhtar’s net worth is estimated at $25 million. His wealth comes from playing contracts, IPL stints, central PCB contracts, brand endorsements, media appearances, and digital content earnings through YouTube and social platforms.
4. Who is Shoaib Akhtar’s wife and how many children do they have?
He is married to Rubab Khan since November 2014. The couple has three children: sons Mohammad Mikaeel Ali (born 2016) and Mohammad Mujaddid Ali (born 2019), and daughter Nooreh Ali (born March 2024).
5. What are some of Akhtar’s key career achievements?
He took 178 Test wickets and 247 ODI wickets, achieving 12 five-wicket hauls in Tests and four in ODIs. He holds the fastest-ball record at 161.3 km/h and was ranked Wisden’s top bowler in 2003. Post-retirement, he transitioned to commentary, analysis, and a successful YouTube channel.
