Shoaib Akhtar embarks on Hajj journey as Saudi state guest

Former fast bowler also says he will be addressing Hajj Conference alongside Muslim leaders in Makkah

Pakistan's former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Saturday announced that he was embarking on a Hajj journey as the state guest of Saudi Arabia.

"Alhamdolillah going for honorary Hajj as state guest of Saudi Arabia," the former pace said in a tweet as he posted a picture of himself in the Ihram - the clothing for the pilgrimage.

Akhtar also announced that he would be addressing the Hajj Conference alongside other Muslim leaders in Makkah.

The former cricketer and analyst expressed his gratitude to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan for their arrangements in making the journey possible.

لبيك اللهم لبيك
لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك
إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك
لا شريك لك لبيك

Alhamdolillah going for honorary Hajj as state guest of Saudi Arabia.
I will also be addressing the Hajj Conference attended by leaders of the Muslim world in Makkah.
My gratitude to @KSAembassyPK pic.twitter.com/Q0rWIXfy20

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 2, 2022

Earlier this year, the Rawalpindi Express embarked on a life-changing career opportunity for 20 super talented Pakistani football players with his talent hunt for sports talent in collaboration with Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) NexGen Soccer Trials and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive.

According to the report, the road to UK and Ireland became invincible as Akhtar set his sight on helping fast track football in Pakistan.

It had also stated that Akhtar would offer a transformational role to help shape the future of football in Pakistan with GSV.