Former Pakistan Pacer Shoaib Akhtar Mourns Death of Elder Brother

A profound wave of grief has enveloped the family of former Pakistan cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar following the sudden demise of his elder brother, Shahid Akhtar. The iconic fast bowler, universally recognised as one of the most formidable and quickest pacers in the history of international cricket, shared the heartbreaking news with his followers across the globe through a deeply emotional post on his official social media accounts.

Expressing his immense sorrow, the former cricketer, affectionately nicknamed the “Rawalpindi Express” during his playing days, stated that his beloved elder brother had passed away and returned to the Almighty. In his poignant tribute, Akhtar requested prayers from his extensive fan base, well-wishers, and the wider cricketing community for the departed soul’s eternal peace and forgiveness.

Family sources confirmed that the funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) for Shahid Akhtar are scheduled to take place on Wednesday (24 June) following the Asr prayers. The burial will subsequently be held at the H-8 Graveyard situated in the capital city of Islamabad. A large gathering consisting of immediate family members, close relatives, childhood friends, and several prominent personalities from the sports and political spheres is anticipated to attend the funeral services to pay their final respects.

Throughout Shoaib Akhtar’s legendary yet tumultuous cricketing journey, Shahid Akhtar played an instrumental role as a steadfast pillar of support. Emerging from a modest background in Rawalpindi to breaking world speed records on the international stage required immense resilience. Close family acquaintances frequently highlight that Shahid was Shoaib’s fiercest defender and greatest source of motivation during his early years of rigorous club cricket and subsequent national selection. From managing personal challenges to offering psychological strength during career-threatening injuries, Shahid remained an unwavering presence by his brother’s side.

This bereavement marks the second major personal tragedy for the legendary fast bowler in recent years. In December 2021, Akhtar suffered the devastating loss of his mother, Hameeda Awan, a grief that deeply impacted the family. Losing his elder brother within such a short span of time represents an incredibly challenging period for the Akhtar household. As the news broke, messages of condolence and solidarity from former teammates, international cricketers, and millions of fans began pouring in, offering comfort to the grieving sportsman in his hour of darkness.