Shoaib Akhtar’s Lookalike Sparks Nostalgia, Recalling the ‘Rawalpindi Express’
Shoaib Akhtar’s Lookalike Sparks Nostalgia, Recalling the ‘Rawalpindi Express’
Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ remains an iconic figure in world cricket. His searing pace, steep bounce, and lethal yorkers terrorized batsmen for nearly two decades. Despite a successful career spanning 46 Tests, 163 ODIs, and 15 T20Is, Akhtar retired after the 2011 World Cup due to chronic knee issues.
Recently, a video of Akhtar’s lookalike, Imran Muhammad, has gone viral on social media, evoking nostalgia among fans. The footage, from an Oman D10 League match, showcases Imran’s striking resemblance to the legendary pacer.
Imran, now 30, hails from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He left his village at 18 and now resides in Muscat, where he earns a living installing CCTV cameras while also participating in franchise league cricket in Oman.
Since his retirement, Shoaib Akhtar has transitioned into a successful commentator and analyst. He shares his expert opinions and reviews on international matches, league games, and Pakistani cricket on his popular YouTube channel.
Throughout his illustrious career, which began in 1997, Akhtar took 178 wickets in 46 Tests, with his final Test appearance against India in Bangalore in 2007. In ODIs, he claimed 247 wickets, while in T20Is, he picked up 19 wickets in 15 matches.
Akhtar’s legacy as one of the fastest and most feared bowlers in cricket history continues to inspire young players and fans alike. His lookalike, Imran Muhammad, serves as a reminder of the iconic pacer’s impact on the sport.