The film is scheduled to release worldwide on November 16, 2023.
Dubai-based filmmaker Muhammad Faraz Qaiser will helm a new biopic based on the life of Pakistani cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar.
Titled Rawalpindi Express, a name that derives from the nickname Akhtar earned as a fast bowler.
With production by QFilm Productions, the film will release worldwide on November 16, 2023. The date is a tribute to the fastest ball ever bowled by the speedster at 161.3 km/ph during a 2003 World Cup group match against England.
Akhtar is the first sportsman from Pakistan to have a commercial film made about his life.
According to the makers, the film will be shot in the UAE, along with Pakistan and Australia.
Qaiser has spent five years researching the extraordinary life journey of Shoaib Akhtar from a small town cricketer to an international superstar sportsperson.
In a statement, Qaiser said: “The world knows Shoaib Akhtar for his lethal pace and toe-crushing Yorkers, on the field he has rattled some of the best batsmen. I have been an ardent fan and follower since childhood and have a vivid memory of sitting on my father’s shoulder to catch the star in action. The idea to make a biopic came from my father and it actually seeped into my mind after I got inspired from Akhtar’s journey that he described in one of the interviews on TV. It’s a vision, a dream, a passionate tale that has grown every day in the last five years.”
Qaiser added: “I met Shoaib Akhtar in February 2020 to present my idea along with my father Qaiser Nawaz who is also the writer of the film. After extensive discussions, he finally agreed and gave the go-ahead for the project. He spent more than a week with us narrating his journey and it was fabulous to know him so up close and personal. We also got a lot of input from people close to him. We are really grateful to everyone who has contributed in helping us realise our dream.”
Akhtar took to his Twitter to make the announcement, with a poster of the film. He wrote: “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,” wrote Akhtar, signing off as ‘ ‘conterversially yours.’