Wasim Akram Biography
Full Name: Wasim Akram
Birthplace: 3 June 1966,Lahore,Punjab
ODI Debut: Pakistan vs NewZealand at Faisalabad,2nd ODI,1984/85
Test Debut: Pakistan vs NewZealand at Auckland,2nd Test,1984/85
Major Teams: Pakistan,Lancashire,Hampshire
Bowling Style: Left Hand Fast
Batting Style: Left Handed Batsman
Wasim Akram (born June 3, 1966
in Lahore, Punjab) is a former Pakistani cricketer. He was a left-arm
fast bowler and left-handed batsman, who represented the Pakistani
cricket team in TestsOne-Day Internationals. He is widely regarded as
one of the finest fast bowlers ever and holds world records for the most
wickets taken in both ODIs (502) and List A cricket (881).
Playing style
An
immensely talented player first discovered by Imran Khan, Wasim Akram
played for his college(Govt. Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore) as an
opening bowler and batsman. As a bowler, Wasim possessed genuine pace,
accurate control of line and length and seam position, and could swing
the ball both in and out. With a very deceptive ball-concealing action,
he could bowl equally well from both sides of the wicket. His mastery of
reverse swing with the old ball meant he was at his most dangerous
towards the end of an innings, and earned him the nickname Sultan of
Swing.
As well as often being
able to find the edge of the bat, Wasim would also focus his attack on
the stumps and had a particularly lethal yorker. Of his 414 Test
wickets, 193 were taken caught, 119 were taken LBW and 102 were
bowled.In partnership with Waqar Younis, he intimidated international
batsmen in the 1990s. Together Wasim and Waqar, known as “the two Ws” of
the Pakistani team, were one of the most successful bowling
partnerships ever.
Wasim was also
skilled with the bat and was regarded as a bowling all-rounder. He was
especially effective against spinners. However, he liked to slog and was
criticised for his lack of big scores and giving away his wicket too
cheaply for a player of his talent. He did silence his critics in
October 1996 when he scored 257, not out, of the team’s total of 553
against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura. He also made good scores in difficult
times for the Pakistan team such as his 123 against Australia and his 45
not-out to take Pakistan to victory in a low-scoring match. Pakistan,
needing six runs in two balls two win the Nehru Cup saw Akram come out
to bat. The first ball he faced was hit out of the ground and secured
the cup. Ahmed Bilal was his coach who gave him tricks on reverse swing.
A Feature by Sidharth Monga
The
fifth ODI between Pakistan and South Africa was dedicated to Wasim
Akram who retired just after the World Cup. A moment to rejoice for the
oppositions all over the world and the way Proteas easily beat Pakistan
one could see how Pakistan missed Wasim. But things aren’t forever and
as all good things must come to an end, Wasim has finally called it a
day. Here’s a piece that I wrote earlier in tribute to the Big W, God’s
own left arm.
“First of all,
convince yourself that you are the best because the rest of your life is
gonna go proving this to others” -Wasim Akram, in a T.V commercial.
One
thing Wasim has shown us in his 19 year long career is he enacts what
he says. The tremendous confidence he had as a young boy of 18 when some
more ordinary guy would be nervous participating in a school debate
would make even greatest of champions envious of him. He damn sure knew
he was the best and boy, has he proved this to the whole world! Yes he
has and in fact, he has done this in a manner that the best of the
batsmen in the world fear him. But there’s good news for some new
batsmen, the Sultan of Swing has finally decided to retire from
international cricket. This would mean batters need not worry about a
lanky fast bowler whose run up was a mere 10-15 steps but who could bowl
fast, swinging toe crushing yorkers that could render even the best of
batsmen mere spectators. And they also need not worry about the late
swinging deliveries to which the umpires couldn’t resist raising the
finger indicative of an LBW. (29% of his wickets include LBWs!). And
bowlers over the world can save themselves blushes, the kind when the
very same man got stuck into them and hit them a mile. (Ask Zimbabweans
whom he hit for a record number of sixes in his 257 run knock!)
Time
and again, I have seen teams fighting back against a Pakistan bowling
attack after early setbacks requiring just about one and a half run per
ball in the last few overs. But that’s where the party ends-because then
the ball is thrown to Wasim and the whole world knows how desperately
impossible it is to score at more than a run a ball when Wasim is
bowling at the death. Arguably the best bowler at death, his straight
late swinging yorkers are responsible for the shortening of most tails
all over the world. And who said that with the advent of helmets and
protective equipment, tailenders will be able to contribute more? At
least not against a Wasim led Pak attack.
former
Pakistani cricketer. He was a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed
batsman, who represented the Pakistani cricket team in Tests and One Day
Internationals. Widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers ever,
Akram holds world records for the most wickets taken in List A cricket
(881), and is second only to Muttiah Muralitharan in terms of ODI
wickets (502). He is considered to be one of the pioneers of reverse
swing bowling.[1][2][3] The revolutionary nature of reverse swing
initially resulted in accusations of ball tampering, although reverse
swing has now been accepted as a legitimate feature of the game. Akram's
later career was also tarnished with accusations of match fixing,
although these remain unproven.
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Role Bowler
Batting style Left-handed
Bowling style Left-arm fast
International information
Test debut (cap 102) 25 January 1985: v New Zealand
Last Test 9 January 2002: v Bangladesh
ODI debut (cap 53) 23 November 1984: v New Zealand
Last ODI 4 March 2003: v Zimbabwe
Domestic team information
Years Team
2003 Hampshire
2000/01 Lahore Blues
1992/93 – 2000/01 Pakistan International Airlines
1988 – 1998 Lancashire
1997/98 Lahore City
1985/86 Lahore City Whites
1984/85 – 1985/86 Pakistan Automobiles Corporation
Career statistics
Tests ODI FC LA
Matches 104 356 257 594
Runs scored 2898 3717 7161 6993
Batting average 22.64 16.52 22.73 18.90
100s/50s 3/7 0/6 7/24 0/17
Top score 257* 86 257* 89*
Balls bowled 22627 18186 50278 29719
Wickets 414 502 1042 881
Bowling average 23.62 23.52 21.64 21.91
5 wickets in innings 25 6 70 12
10 wickets in match 5 n/a 16 n/a
Best bowling 7/119 5/15 8/30 5/10
Catches/stumpings 44/– 88/– 97/– 147/–
Wasim Akram (Urdu: وسیم
اکرم)(born June 3, 1966 in Lahore, Punjab) is a former Pakistani
cricketer. He was a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman, who
represented the Pakistani cricket team in Tests and One-Day
Internationals. He is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers
ever and holds world records for the most wickets taken in both ODIs
(502) and List A cricket (881). Domestic career
Wasim
signed for Lancashire in 1988 and went on to become one of their most
successful overseas players. From 1988 to 1998, he spearheaded their
attack in their NatWest Trophy, Benson & Hedges Cup and Sunday
League winning sides. He was a favourite of the local fans who used to
sing a song called "Wasim for England" at Lancashire's matches.
International career
Wasim
made his Test debut for Pakistani cricket team against New Zealand in
early 1985 and in only his second Test he made his presence felt with a
ten-wicket haul. Like a few other Pakistani cricketers of his time, he
was identified at club level and bypassed first-class domestic
competition, entering international cricket directly. A few weeks prior
to his selection into the Pakistani team, he was an unknown club
cricketer who had failed to even make it to his college team. He was
spotted by Javed Miandad, and as a result of his insisting was it that
Wasim was given an oppurtunity to play for Pakistan. Later that season
he paired with Imran, who became his mentor, at the World Championship
of Cricket in Australia.
Wasim's rise in international
cricket was rapid during the initial years. When Pakistan toured the
West Indies in 1988, he looked to be the quickest bowler between the two
sides. However, a serious groin injury impeded his career in the late
1980s. Following two surgeries, he re-emerged in 1990 as a bowler who
focused more on swing and control than speed.
One-Day success
Wasim
was instrumental in Pakistan's famous World Cup victory in 1992 in
Australia. In the final against England his late flurry of an innings,
33 off 19 balls, pushed Pakistan to a respectable 249 for 6. Wasim then
took the all-important wicket of Ian Botham early on, and when brought
back into the attack later on, with the ball reverse swinging, he
produced a devastating spell which led to Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis
being clean-bowled in successive deliveries. His excellent performances
earned him the Man of the Match award for the final.
He also captained Pakistan with
some success. The high points of his captaincy were the 1996-97 victory
in the World Series in Australia, two Test match wins in India in
1998-99 and in 1999, when Pakistan reached the World Cup final for the
second time. The low point was the 1996 World Cup in Pakistan and India,
when he had to pull out of the crucial quarter final match against
India. After Pakistan's defeat, there were angry protests outside his
homes, and a government inquiry was launched into the failure.
Sun Sign Gemini
Family Wife : Huma, a psychologist
2 sons
Batting Style Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style Left Arm Fast
ODI Debut Pakistan v New Zealand at Faisalabad, 2nd ODI, 1984/85
Test Debut Pakistan v New Zealand at Auckland, 2nd Test, 1984/85
Major Teams Pakistan Automobiles Corporation, Lahore Cricket Association, Lancashire, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan.
Other intersting facts *Banned for three months in 1999 - July to September - accused of match-fixing but was reinstated
* Described by West Indies batting great Viv Richards as the most dangerous bowler he has ever faced.
* Became the first bowler to take 500 wickets in World Cup cricket.
* Had a lengthy career with English county side Lancashire by captaining them
Wasim
Akram born in Lahore, Punjab is a former Pakistani cricketer. He was a
left-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman, who represented the
Pakistani cricket team in Tests and One Day Internationals. Widely
regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers ever, Akram holds world
records for the most wickets taken in both ODIs (502) and List A cricket
(881), and was one of the pioneers of reverse swing bowling. The
revolutionary nature of reverse swing initially resulted in accusations
of ball tampering, although reverse swing has now been accepted as a
legitimate feature of the game. Akram's later career was also tarnished
with accusations of match fixing, although these remain unproven.
Wasim retired in 2003, after a
brief spell with Hampshire in England. Since then, Wasim has taken up
commentary and can currently be seen as a sportscaster for the ESPN Star
network, and is also running shows on ARY Digital. He is married to
Huma Mufti, daughter of Mr. Humayaun Mufti. Wasim and Huma have two sons
from their marriage of fourteen years. Wasim has also appeared in Fuzon
video as a model.
former
Pakistani cricketer. He was a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed
batsman, who represented the Pakistani cricket team in TestsOne-Day
Internationals. He is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers
ever and holds world records for the most wickets taken in both ODIs
(502) and List A cricket (881).
Wasim Akram, the judge of COLORS show Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena in conversation...
Wasim Akram, the cricketer par
excellence has been the show-stealer when it comes to COLORS’
cricket-format show ‘Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena’.
Here is the cricketer cum judge in a conversation…
What made you to take this reality show?
The
first reason to be part of this show is Sushmita Sen. She is my all
time favorite and it's a different experience all together. Plus I was
getting a chance to meet my cricketer friends and to take a look at
their new role as dancers and even judge them (smiles).
How is the experience doing a reality show?
It
is excellent, real fun and a unique experience altogether! Working with
cricketers, gorgeous ladies of the industry as well as with Sush is
nothing but exceptional. Above all, Sushmita is such a down-to-earth
person and I enjoy her company. To see the cricketers practice for more
than 10 hours and that too on a dance floor is something amazing.
Do you watch any reality shows?
I used to watch earlier, but strictly the dancing shows. Also, Big Boss Season 2 is nice and one of a kind.
How is the response of the Pakistani audience seeing you in this new role as judge?
People there are watching the promos now and they are just waiting for the serial to launch there. Let’s see how it goes.
What about Indian audience?
I
think the response I am getting here is great. I just landed yesterday,
and I got down to people in full praise for my work at the airport. I
have been hearing the same from many over here. So I am excited.
You danced for the first time on the show with your entry song. How was the experience?
Yes
it was very nice, and to tell you frankly, I was quite nervous when I
performed on the title track of Don. I had rehearsed for nearly 3 hours,
but as soon as I started, I felt that I forgot my steps. But all’s well
that ends well…
What next after this show on television…
If something interesting comes my way, I will definitely take it up.
What about acting in Bollywood?
It’s
not my cup of tea. I love watching all the films, the actors, the
directing but its hard work for me to act. I can only watch. (grins)
What do you think about cricketers getting into this glamor world?
I
don't think it is wrong. As far as they are practicing their cricket
and they are giving proper time to their goal ahead, it is not wrong to
be a part of the glamor world.
At
his best Wasim Akram plays like most of us would wish to. He has
complete mastery over swing and seam, and sometimes moves the ball both
ways in one delivery. All this comes at high speed from a quick,
ball-concealing action, and is backed up by the threat of a dangerous
bouncer or deceptive slower delivery. Akram is rated by many as the best
left-arm fast bowler of all time, and his career record certainly bears
that out - along with the high regard of his contemporaries. He hit
like a kicking horse, but batsmanship was one skill in which Akram
underachieved, despite a monumental 257 against Zimbabwe in Sheikhupura
in 1996-97. He was the natural successor to Imran Khan as Pakistan's
leader and captain, but the match-fixing controversies of the 1990s
harmed him, blunting his edge and dimming his lustre. Though he reached
the 500-wicket landmark in ODIs in the 2003 World Cup, he was among the
eight players dumped after Pakistan's miserable performance. He retired
shortly after, following a brief spell with Hampshire.
International Debut: 1984
Batting and fielding records
M Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct St
Test 104 147 19 2898 257* 22.64 0 - 3 7 - 57 44 -
ODI 356 280 55 3717 86 16.52 4208 88.33 - 6 - - 88 -
Bowling records
M Inns Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Eco SR 4W 5W 10W
Test 104 181 22627 9779 414 7/119 11/110 23.62 2.59 54.65 20 25 5
ODI 356 351 18186 11812 502 5/15 5/15 23.53 3.90 36.23 17 6 -
Career Statistics
Test Debut: New Zealand v Pakistan at Auckland, 25-28, Jan 1985
ODI Debut: Pakistan v New Zealand at Faisalabad, Nov 23, 1984
Role (All-rounder) bowler and batsman
International information
National side Pakistan
Test debut (cap 102) 25 January 1985 v New Zealand
Last Test 9 January 2002 v Bangladesh
ODI debut (cap 53) 23 November 1984 v New Zealand
Last ODI 4 March 2003 v Zimbabwe
ODI shirt no. 3
Domestic team information
Years Team
2003 Hampshire
2000-2001 Lahore
1997-1998 Lahore
1992-2002 Pakistan International Airlines
1988-1998 Lancashire
1986-1987 Lahore
1985-1986 Lahore
1984-1986 Pakistan Automobiles Corporation
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA
Matches 104 356 257 594
Runs scored 2898 3717 7161 6993
Batting average 22.64 16.52 22.73 18.90
100s/50s 3/7 0/6 7/24 0/17
Top score 257* 86 257* 89*
Balls bowled 22627 18186 50278 29719
Wickets 414 502 1042 881
Bowling average 23.62 23.52 21.64 21.91
5 wickets in innings 25 6 70 12
10 wickets in match 5 0 16 0
Best bowling 7/119 5/15 8/30 5/10
Catches/stumpings 44/0 88/0 97/0 147/0
Wasim Akram (Urdu: وسیم اکرم)
born 3 June 1966 is a former Pakistani left arm fast bowler and
left-handed batsman in cricket, who represented the Pakistan national
cricket team in Test cricket and One Day International matches.
Akram is regarded as one of the
best fast bowlers in the history of cricket. He holds the world record
for most wickets in List A cricket with 881 and is second only to Sri
Lankan off-spin bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan in terms of One Day
International wickets with 502. He is considered to be one of the
founders and perhaps the finest exponent of reverse swing
bowling.[1][2][3] The revolutionary nature of reverse swing initially
resulted in accusations of ball tampering by cricket critics, although
the skill of the reverse swing delivery has now been accepted as a
legitimate ability in cricket. Akram's later career was also tarnished
with accusations of match fixing by critics, although these remain
unproven.
On 30 September 2009, Akram was one of five new members inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Early and personal life
Akram was born in Lahore,
Pakistan on June 3, 1966, to a moderately affluent middle-class
family.[5] He was educated at Islamia College in Lahore, where he played
as an opening bowler and batsman.[5] Like several other Pakistani
cricketers during the 1980s, his inclusion into the national side was at
the behest of a senior player in the team, which in Akram's case, was
Javed Miandad.[6]
Akram was diagnosed with
diabetes at the peak of his career but despite the initial psychological
blow, he managed to regain his form and went on to produce fine
cricketing performances. Since then he has actively sought to be
involved in various awareness-raising campaigns for diabetes.[7]
He was married to Huma Mufti in
1995. They had two sons Taimur and Akbar[8] from their marriage of
fifteen years. Huma died of multiple organ failure at Apollo Hospital in
Chennai, India on 25 October 2009.
International career
[edit] First-class cricket
In 1988 he signed for Lancashire
County Cricket Club in England and went on to become their most
successful overseas players. From 1988 to 1998, he opened their bowling
attack in their ECB Trophy, Benson & Hedges Cup and National League
tournaments. He was a favourite of the local British fans who used to
sing a song called "Wasim for England" at Lancashire's matches. In 1998,
with Akram as captain, Lancashire won the ECB Trophy and Axa League and
finished second in the championship tournament despite losing only five
matches in all competitions throughout the season. Apart from the
National League second division title in 2003, this was the last time
Lancashire won a trophy.
Test cricket
Akram made his Test cricket
debut for Pakistan against New Zealand in 1985 and in only his second
Test match, he claimed 10 wickets. A few weeks prior to his selection
into the Pakistan team, he was an unknown club cricketer who had failed
to make it even to his college team. He came to the trials at Gaddafi
Stadium in Lahore in Pakistan, but for the first two days he did not get
a chance to bowl. On the third day he got a chance; his performance
convincing Javed Miandad to insist upon his inclusion in the national
team. Akram was hence given an opportunity to play for Pakistan, without
any significant domestic experience. Later that season he opened the
bowling attack with Imran Khan, who became his mentor at and after the
World Championship of Cricket in Australia.
In the 1987 Cricket World Cup,
when Pakistan played against the West Indies, Akram bowled to Viv
Richards in the late overs of the innings but Richards, who is regarded
as the best batsman during that period, struggled against Akram's
bowling performances.
Akram's rise in international
cricket was rapid during the late 1980s. When Pakistan toured the West
Indies in 1988, he looked to be the fastest bowler between the two
sides. However, a groin injury impeded his career in the late 1980s.
Following two surgeries, he re-emerged in the 1990s as a fast bowler who
focused more on swing and accurate bowling.
One Day International
Akram was a significant figure
in the 1992 Cricket World Cup held in Australia, when Pakistan won the
tournament. In the final against England, his batting performance during
his innings of 33 runs off 19 balls, pushed Pakistan to a respectable
score of 249 runs for 6 wickets. Akram then took the important wicket of
Ian Botham early on the English batting innings and when brought back
into the bowling attack later on, with the ball reverse swinging, he
produced a devastating spell of bowling which led to Allan Lamb and
Chris Lewis being bowled in successive deliveries in one over. His
excellent performances earned him the Man of the Match award for the
final.[11][12]
He also captained Pakistan with
some success. The high points of his captaincy was the 1996-1997 victory
in the World Series Cricket in Australia, two Test match wins in India
in 1998-1999 and in 1999, when Pakistan reached the 1999 Cricket World
Cup final. The low point was the 1996 Cricket World Cup in Pakistan and
India, when he had to pull out of the quarter final match against India,
citing injury. After Pakistan's defeat, there were angry protests
outside his home and riots across the country from angry fans who
accused the team of throwing the match and a government inquiry was
launched into the failure.
In 1999, he led Pakistan to the
brink of victory in the World Cup before they capitulated and was
defeated by Australia in the final, by eight wickets with almost 30
overs to spare. This was the start of the match fixing controversies, as
critics believed Akram had set up the match for Australia. However,
none of the allegations could be proved.
They
say that with age, flair gives way to simplicity; exuberance gives way
to soberness and childhood gives way to wisdom that comes with the
realization that you have grown old. Flamboyance and age happen to share
a negative correlation, but not with Wasim. You have seen him around
for about 19 years now, he must be old. He needs insulin everyday, a
severe diabetic, he must be really old. And yet, when you watch him take
his n hundred and nth wicket, the childish joy on his face makes you
believe he is a young debutant who has just taken his first wicket.
That’s Wasim Akram for you. Even at the fag end of his career in World
Cup 2003, one cannot forget his consecutive deliveries to get Hayden and
Martyn. And who could say he is a 37 year old?
Talk
of Wasim and the mind inevitably goes back to World Cup 1992 finals-
England cruising towards a victory and all of a sudden Wasim produces
two unplayable balls to dismiss Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in
succession. That was when he was at his vintage best. And that he could
produce such deliveries consistently when his team desperately needed
those is the factor that sets him aside. What’s similar in Steve Wuagh,
Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Wasim Akram? We all come to expect the
unexpected with them. Hand Wasim the ball when nothing is happening for
you and he will bring some magic.
It’s
a rare breed, this- the left arm pacemen. Come to think of the names
and you don’t have much more than Allan Davidson, Gary Sobbers or Bill
Voce. But hands down, the best of them all was spotted by one wise man-
Javed, ‘The Spotter’ Miandad. In his very first series against New
Zealand in 1984-85, he drew comparisons with all the big names mentioned
above. In only his second test, he bagged a 10-wicket haul and became
the youngest man to do so. And since then, looking behind is one thing
he has never done. Now that when he looks into retrospect, he would like
to change the 1996 World Cup Quarter Final against India, the 1999
World Cup Final and the supposed match fixing allegations against him. I
call these allegations ‘supposed’ because not in my life have I seen
him ever give anything less than One Hundred Percent. Yes it hasn’t been
all rosy. It never is, for anyone.
He
has had to take the wrath of a cricket crazy nation and a corrupt
administration for every failure of his, no matter how few and far
within these failures have come. Add to this the fact that he has taken a
majority of his 916 international wickets on subcontinent pitches- dead
as dodos, not to forget a long menu of injuries he has fought. The
brunt of Akram’s cricket has been borne by his groin and shoulder. His
groin was first operated on in 1988 and again two years later. The
latter operation was complicated when an adductor muscle separated from
his pelvis, leaving his left leg only half as strong as his right: it
was restored only by intensive physiotherapy.
He
first experienced shoulder pain seven years ago, while representing
Lancashire, and delayed surgery, only to break down when he tried to
bowl a bouncer during the Singer Cup Final in Sharjah in April 1997:
there were further operations, a six-month lay-off and a regime of
painkillers. Add to this, severe diabetes and fading eye sight. And
still he continued till 2003 and stayed among the top few bowlers all
through. Nothing short of a medical miracle- Is it?
Despite
all the match fixing allegations and personal controversies, he still
remains the best quick bowler I have seen operate in 20 years of my
life.
And what better a testimony
than the highest run-getter himself-“If I ever get a chance to be
reborn as a cricketer, I would want to be Wasim”-Allan Border
Retirement
Wasim
retired in 2003, after a brief spell with Hampshire in England. Since
then, Wasim has taken up commentary and can currently be seen as a
sportscaster for the ESPN Star network, and is also running shows on ARY
Digital.
He is married to Huma Mufti, daughter of Mr. Humayaun Mufti. Huma and Wasim have two sons from their marriage of thirteen years
Records
In
his Test career, Wasim took 414 wickets in 104 matches, a Pakistani
record, at an average of 23.62, and scored 2,898 runs, at an average of
22.64.
In One-Day Internationals,
Wasim took a world record 502 wickets in 356 appearances, at an average
of 23.52, and scored 3,717 runs, at an average of 16.52.
Wasim
was the first bowler in international cricket to take more than 400
wickets in both forms of the game, and only Muttiah Muralitharan has
since achieved this.
Wasim Akram
also held the record for the most wickets in Cricket World Cups — a
total of 55 in 38 matches. Australia’s Glenn McGrath broke the record
during the 2007 World Cup, ending with a final tally of 77 from 39
matches.On passing Wasim’s record, McGrath said, “Wasim Akram, to me, is
one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Left-armer, swung it both ways
with the new ball and he was so dangerous with the old ball. To go past
him is something I will always remember. Probably the other side of the
coin is that if you play long enough, you’re going to break records
here and there.”
Uniquely, Wasim
took four hat-tricks in international cricket, two each in Tests and
ODIs. He is one of only three bowlers to have taken two Test hat-tricks
(the others being Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews), and also one of only
three bowlers to have taken two ODI hat-tricks (the others being fellow
Pakistani Saqlain Mushtaq and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka). Wasim’s Test
hat-tricks are unique, since they were taken in consecutive Test
matches in the same series, against Sri Lanka in 1999. Wasim is also one
of only two bowlers to have taken both a Test and ODI hat-trick (the
other being fellow Pakistani Mohammad Sami).
Playing
in a Test against the West Indies at Lahore in 1990-91, he became one
of only six players to have taken four wickets in an over during a Test
match. In Wasim’s case, the feat was not part of a hat-trick, the third
ball of the series being a dropped catch, which allowed a single.
Wasim
has also achieved the highest score by a number eight batsman in Test
cricket — 257 not out from 363 balls against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura.
The innings contained 12 sixes which is also a world record for Test
crick
He also has the
joint-highest number of Man of the Match awards in Test cricket, along
with South African Jacques Kallis, with 17
In
1999, he led Pakistan to the brink of victory in the World Cup before
they rolled over and gave the final to Australia. This was the start of
the match-fixing controversies, as people believed Wasim had set up the
match for Australia. He was pardoned by Justice Qayyum.
He was Pakistan's top bowler in
the 2003 World Cup taking 19 wickets in 7 matches. However, Pakistan
failed to reach the "Super Six" phase of the tournament, and Wasim was
one of the eight players to be sacked by the Pakistan Cricket Board as a
result.
Wasim was diagnosed with
diabetes at the peak of his career, but despite the initial
psychological blow, he managed to regain his form and went on to produce
fine cricketing displays. Since then he has actively sought to be
involved in various awareness-raising campaigns for diabetes.
Playing style
“
Over my 15 or 16 years of playing international cricket in Tests and
one-day internationals, Wasim Akram is definitely the most outstanding
bowler I've ever faced. ”
— Former West Indies batsman Brian Lara.
An immensely talented player
first discovered by Javed Miandad, Wasim played for his college(Govt.
Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore) as an opening bowler and batsman.
As a bowler, Wasim possessed genuine pace, accurate control of line and
length and seam position, and could swing the ball both in and out. With
a very deceptive ball-concealing action, he could bowl equally well
from both sides of the wicket. His mastery of reverse swing with the old
ball meant he was at his most dangerous towards the end of an innings,
and earned him the nickname Sultan of Swing.
As well as often being able to
find the edge of the bat, Wasim would also focus his attack on the
stumps and had a particularly lethal yorker. Of his 414 Test wickets,
193 were taken caught, 119 were taken LBW and 102 were bowled. In
partnership with Waqar Younis, he intimidated international batsmen in
the 1990s. Together Wasim and Waqar, known as "the two Ws" of the
Pakistani team, were one of the most successful bowling partnerships
ever.
Wasim was also skilled with the
bat and was regarded as a bowling all-rounder. He was especially
effective against spinners. However, he liked to slog and was criticised
for his lack of big scores and giving away his wicket too cheaply for a
player of his talent. He did silence his critics in October 1996 when
he scored 257, not out, of the team's total of 553 against Zimbabwe at
Sheikhupura. He also made good scores in difficult times for the
Pakistan team such as his 123 against Australia and his 45 not-out to
take Pakistan to victory in a low-scoring match. Pakistan, needing six
runs in two balls two win the Nehru Cup saw Wasim come out to bat. The
first ball he faced was hit out of the ground and secured the cup. Ahmed
Bilal was his coach who gave him tricks on reverse swing.
Records
In
his Test career, Wasim took 414 wickets in 104 matches, a Pakistani
record, at an average of 23.62, and scored 2,898 runs, at an average of
22.64.
In One-Day
Internationals, Wasim took a world record 502 wickets in 356
appearances, at an average of 23.52, and scored 3,717 runs, at an
average of 16.52.
Wasim was the
first bowler in international cricket to take more than 400 wickets in
both forms of the game, and only Muttiah Muralitharan has since achieved
this.
Wasim also held the record
for the most wickets in Cricket World Cups — a total of 55 in 38
matches. Australia's Glenn McGrath broke the record during the 2007
World Cup, ending with a final tally of 71 from 39 matches. On passing
Wasim's record, McGrath said, "Wasim Akram, to me, is one of the
greatest bowlers of all time. Left-armer, swung it both ways with the
new ball and he was so dangerous with the old ball. To go past him is
something I will always remember. Probably the other side of the coin is
that if you play long enough, you're going to break records here and
there."
Uniquely, Wasim took four
hat-tricks in international cricket, two each in Tests and ODIs. He is
one of only three bowlers to have taken two Test hat-tricks (the others
being Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews), and also one of only three
bowlers to have taken two ODI hat-tricks (the others being fellow
Pakistani Saqlain Mushtaq and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka). Wasim's Test
hat-tricks are unique, since they were taken in consecutive Test matches
in the same series, against Sri Lanka in 1999. Wasim is also one of
only two bowlers to have taken both a Test and ODI hat-trick (the other
being fellow Pakistani Mohammad Sami).
Playing
in a Test against the West Indies at Lahore in 1990-91, he became one
of only six players to have taken four wickets in an over during a Test
match. In Wasim's case, the feat was not part of a hat-trick, the third
ball of the series being a dropped catch, which allowed a single.
Wasim
has also achieved the highest score by a number eight batsman in Test
cricket — 257 not out from 363 balls against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura.
The innings contained 12 sixes which is also a world record for Test
cricket.
He also has the
joint-highest number of Man of the Match awards in Test cricket, along
with South African Jacques Kallis, with 17.
Controversies
In
1992, after he had been successful against English batsmen, accusations
of ball tampering began to appear in the English press, though no video
evidence was ever found. Wasim and Waqar had been able to obtain
prodigious amounts of movement from old balls. This phenomenon, termed
reverse swing was relatively unknown in England at the time.
A far larger controversy was
created when he was alleged to be involved in match fixing. An enquiry
commission was set up by Pakistan Cricket Board headed by a Pakistan
high court judge Malik Mohammed Qayyum. The judge wrote in his report
that:
This commission feels that all
is not well here and that Wasim Akram is not above board. He has not
co-operated with this Commission. It is only by giving Wasim Akram the
benefit of the doubt after Ata-ur-Rehman changed his testimony in
suspicious circumstances that he has not been found guilty of
match-fixing. He cannot be said to be above suspicion.
Retirement
Wasim
retired in 2003, after a brief spell with Hampshire in England. Since
then, Wasim has taken up commentary and can currently be seen as a
sportscaster for the ESPN Star network, and is also running shows on ARY
Digital.
He is married to Huma Mufti, daughter of Mr. Humayaun Mufti. Huma and Wasim have two sons from their marriage of thirteen years.
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He
was Pakistan's best bowler in the 2003 Cricket World Cup taking 19
wickets in 7 matches. However, Pakistan failed to reach the "Super Six"
phase of the tournament and Akram was one of the eight players to be
sacked by the Pakistan Cricket Board as a result.
Media career
Since retiring from cricket,
Akram has worked and taken up commentary for television networks and can
currently be seen as a sports commentator for ESPN Star Sports and ARY
Digital among others. He did commentary on a variety of sporting
tournaments including the 2009 Women's Cricket World Cup in Australia,
the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 in England, the 2009 ICC ChampionsTrophy in
South Africa, and the 2011 ICC World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and
Bangladesh.
Coaching career
In 2010, Akram was appointed the
bowling coach consultant of Kolkata Knight Riders, the Indian Premier
League team for Kolkata. Sourav Ganguly was always keen to have Akram as
the bowling coach for India, during the former's stint as Indian
captain. Although this never happened, his dreams were realised to some
extent, when Akram was appointed as the bowling coach for the
franchise.[14] While working for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he was also
responsible for the signing of Pakistani domestic left-arm fast-bowler
Mohammad Irfan.[15] Akram has also been coaching in Pakistan fast
bowling camps; his most notable discovery being the teenage Pakistani
international, Mohammad Aamer.
Coaching career
In 2010, Akram was appointed the
bowling coach consultant of Kolkata Knight Riders, the Indian Premier
League team for Kolkata. Sourav Ganguly was always keen to have Akram as
the bowling coach for India, during the former's stint as Indian
captain. Although this never happened, his dreams were realised to some
extent, when Akram was appointed as the bowling coach for the
franchise.[14] While working for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he was also
responsible for the signing of Pakistani domestic left-arm fast-bowler
Mohammad Irfan.[15] Akram has also been coaching in Pakistan fast
bowling camps; his most notable discovery being the teenage Pakistani
international, Mohammad Aamer.
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