Picture Credit: Twitter
In a sad piece of news, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar took to Twitter to inform his followers that his mother has passed away. Earlier media reports had suggested that Shoaib's mother's health had deteriorated drastically and she had to be rushed to the hospital. However, she breathed her last on Saturday night with Shoaib's tweet coming out after midnight.
It has been conveyed that the funeral will be held in Islamabad’s sector H-8. Soon after the news broke out, courtesy of Shoaib himself, the cricketing fraternity was quick to express its condolences.
"We all are with you in this difficult time brother. May the Almighty grant her the highest rank in jannah," former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik wrote.
"Just wanted to reach out and let you know that you have my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May she rests in peace. Be strong my brother. Waheguru Mehar kare??," Harbhajan Singh stated.
"Deeply saddened to hear about that Shoaib bhai. May the Almighty bless her with ease and the highest rank in Jannah Ameen," Pakistan batter Fawad Alam wrote.
"Very sad to know about it. Indeed it is a huge loss .May Allah grant her highest place in Jannah and give patience to you and your family," former Pakistan skipper Misbah Ul Haq said.
"Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun" The death of any loved parent is an incalculable lasting blow. Very painful and hurtful. Sorry to hear about your Mother @shoaib100mph May ALLAH give her highest place in Jannat. ALLAH sabr da aap ko #Ameen ??," Pakistan great Waqar Younis wrote.
Waqar's partner in crime during his playing days, legendary pacer Wasim Akram also mourned the demise.
"Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. All the prayers may God rest her soul in peace," Akram wrote.
"May Allah grant her highest place in jannah and sabar to your family. Ameen," former fast bowler Umar Gul tweeted.
Meanwhile, Akhtar along with other Pakistani yesteryear stars like Shahid Afridi was named in the Asia Lions Team in a new tournament for retired cricketers. The Asia Lions Team will also consist of players like Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga. The two other two teams in this T20 tournament are from India and the Rest of the World.