Shoaib Akhtar Dissociates Himself From His Biopic ‘Rawalpindi Express’, Threatens 'Legal Action' Against Makers If Project Continues

Akhtar is considered to be one of the fastest bowlers ever to have played the game and scalped 444 International wickets for the Men in Green.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar Shoaib Akhtar took to social media on Saturday to announce that he was dissociating himself from his biopic titled “Rawalpindi Express – Running against the odds.” The ex-Pakistani speedster even threatened the makers of legal consequences if the project was to continue without him.

In July last year, Akhtar had announced the launch of his biopic on social media. The movie was set to be helmed by Muhammad Faraz Qaiser, written by Qaiser Nawaz and produced under the Q Films Productions banner. It was set to be released in November this year but Akhtar's tweet seems to suggest that the project might now have to be stalled.

"Very sadly, I would like to inform all of you that after careful consideration of months, I have decided to dissociate myself from the film Rawalpindi Express & its makers by terminating the agreement through my management and legal team. Definitely, it was a dream project and I tried a lot to prevent and stay in the boat but unfortunately, things were not going well," Akhtar wrote in his announcement on social media.

"Failure to resolve disagreements amicably and constant contractual violations finally resulted in us cutting ties with them. Therefore I have left the project after complying with all legal protocols of revoking the rights to the story of my life. Severe legal action will be taken if the makers continue to make biography film and use my name and life story events in any way," the 47-year-old added.

Akhtar seemed pretty excited when he had first shared the news of the project. In a tweet tracing back to July 2022, Akhtar had said: "Beginning of this beautiful journey. Announcing the launch of my story, my life, my Biopic, “RAWALPINDI EXPRESS – Running against the odds” You’re in for a ride you’ve never taken before. First foreign film about a Pakistani Sportsman. Controversially yours, Shoaib Akhtar."

Akhtar is considered to be one of the fastest bowlers ever to have played the game and scalped 444 International wickets for the Men in Green. He made his debut in 1997 and last donned the Pakistan jersey in an international game in 2011, representing his country in 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is.