Fans condemn the poor likeness of the legendary pacer’s figure in Hyderabad, Pakistan
Unveiling Becomes Scandal
What was supposed to be a tribute to Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has surprisingly turned into an internet meme of humor and anger. A recently installed statue outside Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium has gone viral—albeit not for its artistry but for its ungainly looks.
Revealed in April 2025, the statue was meant to recognize the left-arm pace maestro for his brilliant service to Pakistan cricket. But the statue did not make it to the spotlight until June, early in the month. And that too, for a reason other than giving tribute.
Statue Fails to Capture the Spirit of a Legend
The statue shows Wasim Akram in his iconic bowling pose, wearing the famous green jersey from Pakistan’s 1999 Cricket World Cup campaign. Fans were disappointed, though, to find that the figure looked nothing like the cricketer.
Social media users overwhelmed social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook with memes and sarcastic comments. A user commented that the statue resembles a young player who is still struggling to find a place in the team. Another used the term “low-budget version” of Wasim Akram and compared it to a video game figure instead of an actual sports legend.
Fans Demand Better Representation
Cricket enthusiasts and supporters have criticized the implementation of the tribute. Most think that Wasim Akram, one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, is worth a more precise and respectful depiction. One supporter even told the retired cricketer to have the statue “updated from somewhere,” denoting the poor attention to detail in its design.
Wasim Akram: A Pakistani Cricket Icon
Wasim Akram, born in 1966, continues to be regarded as one of the most legendary and influential figures in the history of cricket. Representing Pakistan from 1984 to 2003, he earned legendary status both nationally and internationally.
Wasim Akram featured in 104 Test matches, where he took 414 wickets—a national record that still stands. In ODIs, he played 356 games and secured an impressive 502 wickets. A key player in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph, Akram is widely regarded as the “Sultan of Swing” and one of the most respected fast bowlers in cricket history.
Honoring Niaz Stadium’s Legacy and the Need for Thoughtful Trib
Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad, Sindh, has been one of the most important sites in the history of Pakistan cricket. Wasim Akram’s statue being installed was regarded as an act of honoring cricketing greatness. The backlash indicates how crucial it is to maintain quality and accuracy in remembering national heroes.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Legacy Preservation
The outcry against Wasim Akram’s statue is a reminder that commemorating sporting greats takes more than an intention—there’s a need for precision, respect, and artistry. As the fans continue to weigh in, it remains to be seen if the authorities will react with a better version that does justice to one of cricket’s greatest bowlers.