Former Pakistan legend pacer Shoaib Akhtar is mourning a personal loss after his elder brother, Shahid Akhtar, passed away. The news was confirmed by Akhtar himself through a post on social media on Tuesday.
Expressing his grief, the former Pakistan pacer wrote that his “beloved older brother” had returned to Allah and said details regarding the funeral prayers would be shared later.
The cause of Shahid Akhtar’s death has not been disclosed by the family.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif also confirmed the news and offered condolences, requesting prayers for the deceased. Messages of support and sympathy poured in from fans and members of the cricket fraternity following the announcement.
This is not the first personal tragedy for Akhtar. In 2021, the former speedster lost his mother, to whom he was deeply attached. The death of his elder brother marks another difficult moment for the family.
Widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, Akhtar remains an influential voice in Pakistan cricket. Since retiring from international cricket, he has regularly appeared as a commentator and analyst, often sharing his views on the challenges facing Pakistan’s cricketing structure and national team.
The cricketing world has joined Akhtar in mourning the loss of his brother, with tributes continuing to pour in on social media.