Karachi: Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s biopic ‘Rawalpindi Express’ will be played by country’s pop singer and actor Umair Jaswal.
Akhtar has been called the Rawalpindi Express since the beginning of his career due to his fast bowling action and his ability to deliver brutal bouncers with batsmen fearing to stand on the crease while bowling.
The 47-year-old former right-arm fast bowler holds the record for the fastest bowler in cricket history — 161.3 kmph —
The singer-turned-actor who will play the role of Shoaib announced the development on his Instagram.
“I am proud to portray the living legend Mr. Shoaib Akhtar on the big screen in Rawalpindi Express. By the grace of Allah we have been successful in our endeavours. We look forward to bringing you a first-of-its-kind biopic that will be released worldwide. Appreciated. Recognized,” Jaswal wrote in his caption.
Earlier in July, the former fast bowler had announced that a biopic would be made on his life journey.
“The start of this beautiful journey. Announcing the launch of my story, my life, my biopic, Rawalpindi Express – going against the odds. You’re in for a ride like you’ve never taken before. About the Pakistani player My first foreign film. Controversially yours, Shoaib Akhtar,” tweeted the former fast bowler.
Akhtar’s biopic will be the first foreign film on a Pakistani sports personality and will release on November 16 next year.
Mohammad Faraz is the director of Qaiser and Qaiser Nawaz biopic.
The fast bowler represented Pakistan in 224 international matches and took 444 wickets before retiring in 2011 after the ODI World Cup.
