Pakistan’s legendary speed demon Shoaib Akhtar has been blessed with a third and his first girl child. The record-breaking fast bowler might have been a menace on the pitch but off it, Akhtar is a family man and a loving father.

Revealing the latest addition to his family, the pacer announced the wonderful news on his Instagram handle. He shared a photograph on the social media app in which Akhtar can be seen smiling at his newborn girl who is sleeping in his arms.

In his post, he wrote, “Mikaeel & Mujadid have a baby sister now. Allah taala has blessed us with a baby daughter. Welcoming Nooreh Ali Akhtar, born during Jumma prayers, 19th of Shaban, 1445 AH.”

Shoaib Akhtar and Rubab Khan tied the knot on November 11, 2014. Rubab grew up in a traditional Muslim family. In 2013, fate intervened when the ex-cricketer crossed paths with Rubab’s father during Hajj. The unexpected meet eventually went on to shape the couple’s future together. Rubab has played an integral role in Akhtar’s life, offering unwavering support to her husband and reflecting on the strength of their relationship. Almost two years after their marriage, the couple welcomed their first child in 2016. They were blessed with a son whom they named Mohammed Mikaeel Ali. The couple welcomed their second baby boy, Mohammad Mujaddid Ali, in 2019.

Shoaib Akhtar isn’t the only cricket legend who has been blessed with a daughter recently. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and his wife Sarah Raheem welcomed their third child, a baby girl, towards the end of February. The Kiwi batter announced the birth of his girl in a heartwarming post on Instagram. Williamson uploaded a monochrome photograph of himself and his wife together in which the cricketer held the newborn in his arms. In his post, he wrote, “And then there were three. Welcome to the world, beautiful Girl. So grateful for your safe arrival and the exciting journey ahead.”

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma were also blessed with a baby boy last month. The batting icon withdrew from the ongoing India versus England Test series to be with his wife and family during the birth of his second child. The couple revealed the birth of their son in a post on their respective Instagram accounts. The post read, “We are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay & Vamika’s little brother into this world!”

India have already won their five-match Test series against England 3-1 with a game still left to play. The final match between the two sides will be held in Dharmshala from March 7.