Why Shaniera Skipped Hajj With Wasim Akram? Here’s What the Couple Said
KARACHI, August 29, 2026: Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has explained why his wife, Shaniera Akram, did not accompany him on his recent Hajj pilgrimage.
Speaking during a podcast, Wasim said he had repeatedly been asked on social media why Shaniera did not join him for the pilgrimage.
According to the former cricketer, he felt Shaniera’s first spiritual journey should be Umrah, allowing her to experience and understand the religious journey before they eventually perform Hajj together.
Shaniera also shared her perspective during the conversation. She said she wanted Wasim to undertake the pilgrimage on his own so that he could remain completely focused on worship.
She explained that had she accompanied him, Wasim might have become more concerned about looking after her instead of giving his full attention to the religious obligations.
Shaniera clarified that she definitely intends to perform Hajj with her husband in the future. However, she wanted Wasim to experience this particular pilgrimage with complete concentration and spiritual focus.
Wasim described his Hajj experience as one of the most memorable and spiritually transformative moments of his life. He said the journey was something he undertook as a special gift for himself.
Wasim and Shaniera married in August 2013 and have a daughter, Aila. Shaniera, an Australian-born Pakistani public figure, is widely admired for her affection for Pakistan and her advocacy on social issues.