Old Pakistan cricket captain and great fast bowler Wasim Akram has finally reacted to the stir around his newly launched statue at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. On social media site X (once Twitter), Akram shared a picture of his statue alongside that of a cheetah, tongue-in-cheekily captioning it:
“Not perfect, but surely better than this cheetah’s attempt!”
His sarcastic comment soon became viral, garnering laughter and admiration for his tactful way of dealing with the scandal.
Public Reactions to the Statue
The statue meant to capture Wasim Akram’s bowling style from the 1999 ICC World Cup, has attracted plenty of criticism on social media. Cricket fans voiced their disappointment over the statue’s facial features, claiming it bears no resemblance to Akram. Others made light of the situation, declaring that the statue resembled a Hollywood action hero more so than the Sultan of Swing.
The pictures of the statue went viral on social media, with a wave of memes, sarcastic posts, and disappointment from cricket fans who had hoped for something more representative of the cricket legend.
Wasim Akram Comes to the Artist’s Defense
Regardless of the criticism, Wasim Akram did not take a jab at the artist or organizers. Rather, he highlighted the merits of the idea and the effort that has gone into creating the tribute. He posted:
“The newly revealed statue at Niaz Stadium has ignited a wave of public discussion. In my opinion, the concept is more important. Kudos to the individual who created the statue and all those involved in the initiative. Their effort alone earns them full credit.”
Akram’s moderate and considerate approach was much appreciated as he changed the focus from complaint to support for works of art.
Statue Meant to Honor a Cricket Icon
The statue was erected to commemorate Wasim Akram’s remarkable cricketing career, lasting from 1984 to 2003. Celebrated for his deadly swing and exceptional bowling skills, Akram took 414 wickets in Test matches and 502 in One Day Internationals.
Akram played a key role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. Akram went on to lead the national team in the 1999 World Cup, taking Pakistan to the final, though Pakistan failed to claim the cup.
Legacy of the Sultan of Swing
Wasim Akram continues to be a respected icon in cricket, both in Pakistan and around the world. His legacy of sportsmanship, leadership, and remarkable contributions to the game continue to motivate aspiring cricketers across generations. While the statue may not perfectly capture his likeness, the gesture itself reflects the immense admiration and respect he commands within the cricketing community.
With the hype still raging online, Akram’s grace under pressure response has reminded fans of his timeless class—on and off the field.
