Yes, Shoaib Akhtar did play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Akhtar made a notable appearance in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. He played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His debut match was against the Delhi Daredevils, where he had a significant impact, taking four crucial wickets. In that match, KKR was defending a low score of 133, and Akhtar's performance helped restrict the Daredevils to 110 runs, securing a victory for his team.
In summary, Shoaib Akhtar's participation in the IPL, although brief, was marked by a memorable performance that showcased his bowling prowess.