Wednesday, October 25, 2006
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. It may have been due to reverse swing he was getting,
which was until then, a relatively unknown phenomenon in England.
A far bigger 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(A fellow teammate) changed his testimony in suspicious circumstances that he has not been found guilty of match-fixing. He cannot be said to be above suspicion."
One Day success
A fast, furious bowler at the start of a game, he grew most devastating towards the end, when he could get the old ball to reverse swing. His swinging yorkers or toecrushers were legendary and fetched him a remarkable number of wickets.
Wasim was instrumental in Pakistan's famous World Cup victory in 1992 in Australia. He also captained Pakistan with 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 being the World Cup 1996 in Pakistan and India, when he had to pull out of the crucial quarter final match against India, due to a rib muscle injury.
He was Pakistan's top bowler in the 2003 World Cup taking 19 wickets in 7 matches. After the 2003 World Cup when Pakistan failed to reach the top 8 group, eight players were sacked by the Pakistan Cricket Board including Akram himself, Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Azhar Mahmood and Saeed Anwar.
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 the local television i.e. PTV.
County cricket
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 Nat West Trophy, Benson & Hedges Cup and Sunday League winning sides. He was so good that local fans used to sing a song called "Wasim for England" at Lancashire's matches.
Retirement
Akram retired in 2003, after a brief spell with Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. He is married to Huma Mufti, daughter of Mr. Humayaun Mufti. Huma and Wasim have 2 sons from their marriage of 10 years.
International record
In his Test career, Akram took 414 wickets (a Pakistani record, and 8th all time), at an excellent bowling average of 23.62, and scored 2,898 runs, at a batting average of 22.64. In One-day Internationals, Wasim was again a force to be reckoned with, taking a world record 502 wickets in 356 appearances, scoring 3,717 runs along the way. Wasim Akram also holds the world record for most wickets in cricket world cups(a total of 55 in 38 matches Source : Cricinfo)
Uniquely, Akram took four hat-tricks in international cricket, two each in Tests and ODIs. He is one of only three bowlers to have taken two hat-tricks in Tests (the others being Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews). Akram's Test hat-tricks are unique, since they were taken in consecutive Test matches in the same series, against Sri Lanka in 1999. He is also one of only two bowlers to have taken two hat-tricks in ODIs (the other being Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka). He is one of only two bowlers to have taken a Test hat-trick and an ODI hat-trick (the other being fellow Pakistani Mohammed Sami). Finally, playing against West Indies at Lahore in 1990-91, he became one of only three players to have taken four wickets in five balls (the other two are Maurice Allom and Chris Old, both of England). In Akram's case, the feat was not part of a hat-trick, the third ball of the series being a dot ball .
A far bigger 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(A fellow teammate) changed his testimony in suspicious circumstances that he has not been found guilty of match-fixing. He cannot be said to be above suspicion."
One Day success
A fast, furious bowler at the start of a game, he grew most devastating towards the end, when he could get the old ball to reverse swing. His swinging yorkers or toecrushers were legendary and fetched him a remarkable number of wickets.
Wasim was instrumental in Pakistan's famous World Cup victory in 1992 in Australia. He also captained Pakistan with 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 being the World Cup 1996 in Pakistan and India, when he had to pull out of the crucial quarter final match against India, due to a rib muscle injury.
He was Pakistan's top bowler in the 2003 World Cup taking 19 wickets in 7 matches. After the 2003 World Cup when Pakistan failed to reach the top 8 group, eight players were sacked by the Pakistan Cricket Board including Akram himself, Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Azhar Mahmood and Saeed Anwar.
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 the local television i.e. PTV.
County cricket
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 Nat West Trophy, Benson & Hedges Cup and Sunday League winning sides. He was so good that local fans used to sing a song called "Wasim for England" at Lancashire's matches.
Retirement
Akram retired in 2003, after a brief spell with Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. He is married to Huma Mufti, daughter of Mr. Humayaun Mufti. Huma and Wasim have 2 sons from their marriage of 10 years.
International record
In his Test career, Akram took 414 wickets (a Pakistani record, and 8th all time), at an excellent bowling average of 23.62, and scored 2,898 runs, at a batting average of 22.64. In One-day Internationals, Wasim was again a force to be reckoned with, taking a world record 502 wickets in 356 appearances, scoring 3,717 runs along the way. Wasim Akram also holds the world record for most wickets in cricket world cups(a total of 55 in 38 matches Source : Cricinfo)
Uniquely, Akram took four hat-tricks in international cricket, two each in Tests and ODIs. He is one of only three bowlers to have taken two hat-tricks in Tests (the others being Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews). Akram's Test hat-tricks are unique, since they were taken in consecutive Test matches in the same series, against Sri Lanka in 1999. He is also one of only two bowlers to have taken two hat-tricks in ODIs (the other being Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka). He is one of only two bowlers to have taken a Test hat-trick and an ODI hat-trick (the other being fellow Pakistani Mohammed Sami). Finally, playing against West Indies at Lahore in 1990-91, he became one of only three players to have taken four wickets in five balls (the other two are Maurice Allom and Chris Old, both of England). In Akram's case, the feat was not part of a hat-trick, the third ball of the series being a dot ball .
Wasim's Chinese Astrology
Fire is element
Summer is season
June is month
Personality
From the fiery
Horse, symbol of all happiness in China, he have inherited vivacity, loyalty, the elegance of a
thoroughbred, and the impatience of a child. He is worldly and at ease in high society and is an
elegant conversationalist. His intelligence and fluidity of thought easily convince people of the
soundness of his ideas. But a "big talker" is often a "small doer" and this failing follows
around him. What keeps he from taking action is a fear of failure because he never come out of
his adventures intact. On the other hand, if the subject is familiar to him and he have some
reassuring support, he jump headlong into the adventure. He love to move around: constant
movement animates his being, but he most often get around obstacles rather than jump over them.
This fear of failure paralyses him. His dynamic spirit is never dampened. He can't stand
idleness, and long-term plans don't attract him because he is quickly unmotivated. He paw the
ground with impatience when there are traffic jams and will cut across a field to get out of one
with gusto. His fault : A lack of confidence in himself.
Work
He need to feel independent, free and above all, he don't like to have someone
watching over him. His elegance of expression and convincing words make him an excellent person.
The ideal profession for him is one where he can travel a lot. He love to innovate and make
decisions quickly, but work that requires endurance is not for him. It is through the race and
movement that he gain speed. Now, he just need to know when to stop at the right moment and at
the right place...
Wasim's birth chart
wheel
03-June
1966
Position of planets at birth :
Sun Position is 12 deg. 02 min. of Gemini
Moon Position is 08 deg. 34 min. of Sagittarius
Mercury Position is 20 deg. 16 min. of Gemini
Venus Position is 02 deg. 39 min. of Taurus
Mars Position is 03 deg. 39 min. of Gemini
Jupiter Position is 05 deg. 49 min. of Cancer
Saturn Position is 28 deg. 27 min. of Pisces
Uranus Position is 15 deg. 40 min. of Virgo
Neptune Position is 20 deg. 13 min. of Scorpio
Pluto Position is 16 deg. 17 min. of Virgo
WASIM's Numerological Data
Life Path Number: 4
Expression Number: 1
Soul Urge Number: 3
Personal Year: 3
Articles
Akram keen to coach - but probably not in
Pakistan
Wisden Cricinfo staff
October 8, 2004
Wasim Akram:
'We cricketers feel more comfortable with foreign coaches' © AFPWasim Akram has said that he is
keen to get into coaching - but probably not in Pakistan.
"There are too many failings in cricket systems in the subcontinent," he told the PPI news agency. "We cricketers feel more comfortable with foreign coaches. We feel they don't have any personal agendas against us and will be neutral. We feel we can trust them. That's what I felt as a cricketer."
Anyway, he said, the Pakistan board has not approached him. "Coaching is a very organised thing, and I am not. I do commentary and leave; that's better. But I would like to help children, under-16 and under-17.
"In Pakistan," he added, "if you have to become a cricketer you have to be a politician first."
Wisden Cricinfo staff
October 8, 2004
Wasim Akram:
'We cricketers feel more comfortable with foreign coaches' © AFPWasim Akram has said that he is
keen to get into coaching - but probably not in Pakistan."There are too many failings in cricket systems in the subcontinent," he told the PPI news agency. "We cricketers feel more comfortable with foreign coaches. We feel they don't have any personal agendas against us and will be neutral. We feel we can trust them. That's what I felt as a cricketer."
Anyway, he said, the Pakistan board has not approached him. "Coaching is a very organised thing, and I am not. I do commentary and leave; that's better. But I would like to help children, under-16 and under-17.
"In Pakistan," he added, "if you have to become a cricketer you have to be a politician first."
Wasim Akram fined for hurting religious feelings
Wisden Cricinfo staff
March 9, 2004
Wasim Akram has been fined by a Lahore court after failing to appear to answer changes that he hurt religious sentiments by appearing in an advertisement for an Indian liquor company.
The civil court ruled against him by default as a result of his non appearance, although Wasim's solictor later claimed that his client had never been notified of the hearing. He dismissed the claim as a "frivolous petition".
The case was brought by a local individual who claimed that he had suffered as a result of the advertisement. He asked for a public apology and damages of Rs 25,000 (US$500).
Wasim appeared in the advertisement last year, along with other cricketers such as Harbhajan Singh and Glenn McGrath.
He previously denied the accusation, arguing he worked for the company which also manufactured sports equipments.
Wisden Cricinfo staff
March 9, 2004
Wasim Akram has been fined by a Lahore court after failing to appear to answer changes that he hurt religious sentiments by appearing in an advertisement for an Indian liquor company.
The civil court ruled against him by default as a result of his non appearance, although Wasim's solictor later claimed that his client had never been notified of the hearing. He dismissed the claim as a "frivolous petition".
The case was brought by a local individual who claimed that he had suffered as a result of the advertisement. He asked for a public apology and damages of Rs 25,000 (US$500).
Wasim appeared in the advertisement last year, along with other cricketers such as Harbhajan Singh and Glenn McGrath.
He previously denied the accusation, arguing he worked for the company which also manufactured sports equipments.
Wasim relieved after court dismissal
Wisden Cricinfo staff
January 31, 2004
Najmul Abbas, a Pakistani who sought a court order to stop Wasim Akram from
coaching India's bowlers, has been reprimanded and fined by a judge at Lahore.
Abbas put forward his case last September after Wasim was reported to be teaming
up with India. However, it was today dismissed by Anwar Gondal, a civil judge. He said, "Wasim
has been a national hero and unnecessary harassment has been caused to him."
Chowdhry Fawad
Hussain, Wasim's lawyer, said Abbas's fine of 15,000 rupees (£144) would be going to the Shaukat
Khanum Cancer Research hospital, which is run by Imran Khan. Fawad said, "The case was frivolous
and a publicity stunt against Wasim, and we are delighted that it is dismissed."
Wasim, who retired last May last year, was also happy with the outcome. "I am
delighted because publicity mongers have caused disturbance not only for me, but for the court,
and such cases should not be accepted in future," he said. "I can never think of passing any
secrets but if a young bowler comes to seek advice, I will help him, irrespective of his
nationality."
In the end, the Indian board hired Bruce Reid, the former Australia Test
bowler, as their bowling coach last November. However, Wasim has been helping India's attack on
their current tour of Australia, and he was forced to defend his position last week when Javed
Miandad, the coach, accused him of passing on his secrets.
Wasim's association with India has also prompted the Pakistani media to question his loyalty ahead of the proposed series between Pakistan and India this March. But Wasim hit back by saying, "I have not modified their actions or anything like that. Nor have I handed them any secret weapons."
Akram's coaching tips to India
Time to shed the jingoism
Osman Samiuddin
January 26, 2004
Let the entire
cricketing world benefit from Wasim Akram's skill and knowledge© AFP If press and media reports
in Pakistan are to be believed, then you would think Wasim Akram had just committed an act of
treason. By unofficially helping out Indian bowlers like Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, and lately,
the promising Irfan Pathan, Akram is being tainted as one who, in one Jedi's words, has moved to
the dark side.
As in all matters concerning India and Pakistan, the
realm of the irrational looms large. If truth is the first casualty of war, then logic and
objectivity are the first victims of a perma-warlike situation. At its basest level, shorn of
jingoistic nationalism and confused notions of patriotism, what has Akram done? He has simply
offered advice to those who were seeking it from him. Whether they are Indian, Australian or
Nepalese, doesn't matter. Pathan, Zaheer and Nehra are all left-arm bowlers and Akram is quite
simply the greatest of his species to have graced a cricket field. If they hadn't asked him for
advice while he was around, then questions should have been asked.
It is only natural that, in any sphere of life, sports or otherwise, one looks up to role models - people who have succeeded and achieved throughout their career in their chosen field. Their track record, and not their nationality, should be the deciding factor. Andrew Flintoff, for one, reaped the benefits of Akram's presence when he was at Lancashire, yet no one raised any objections when he propelled England to an improbable ODI victory at Karachi in 2000. Nathan Bracken too asked for tips, yet that went almost unnoticed. And why shouldn't a young Pakistani batsman, such as Taufeeq Umar or Yasir Hameed, go to a Sachin Tendulkar in the forthcoming series for advice? What we should be doing is applauding Akram's advice, for it was his two cents that enabled young Pathan to find some prodigious reverse-swing to get rid of
Adam Gilchrist in the Sydney Test.
Lest we forget, Akram is not the property
of the Pakistani people or of the PCB. He is a free agent, willing and able to do what he wants.
If he is offering to help some young bowlers who aren't Pakistani, so be it.
It should, in fact, be a source of some embarrassment, if not shame, to the PCB
that they have failed to utilise in any tangible sense, Akram's uniquely extraordinary gifts. And
as Akram himself alluded to in an interview for The Independent in 2000, it isn't as if today's
Pakistani bowlers, including Shoaib Akhtar, have sought him out for help.
Bowlers such as
Akram and Waqar, as well as being blessed with the presence of Imran, were willing to learn and
improve their craft. They too looked to other bowlers of repute to enhance their own skills,
whether it was Marshall, Hadlee or even Kapil.
The young Indian pace
triumvirate are the same, and they should be commended for seeking out advice from Akram. And
what, even now, stops an Akhtar, Mohammad Sami or Shabbir Ahmed from calling up Akram for help?
If Sami has trouble with his no-balls, or Shabbir with his action, surely there is someone at the
PCB who can get them in touch with Akram? That they are not doing so speaks poorly of Pakistan
and the PCB and not Akram.
It is the perversely ironic fate of Akram that his achievements, actions and intentions will always be greeted with more cynicism at home than they ever will abroad. Akram's status and popularity around the world, as his recent jaunts to India, Australia and his time in England have proved, is considerably higher than in his homeland. Perhaps it is because we know him better, perhaps not. Whatever the reasons, they should not detract from, one, his ability to do what he likes with his life, and two, his reputation as a cricketer.
Akram denies claims he coached India
Wisden Cricinfo staff
December 4, 2003
Wasim Akram: 'If anyone seeks my advice I am duty-bound to help him' © Getty
Images Wasim Akram has denied claims that he coached the Indian side, or had plans to do so, and
insisted that an action against him accusing him of doing so was born out of malice and was
little more than an attempt to gain cheap publicity by the petitioner.
Akram was appearing in front of a civil court in Lahore in a bid to have the
petition, which seeks to prevent him coaching any Indian players, dismissed. "I have no such
intention to coach the Indian cricket team," he told the judge. "Nor I have been approached by
the Indian cricket board." Akram explained that the petition had caused him "mental torture" as
well as damaging his reputation.
"If anyone seeks my advice I am
duty-bound to help him." Akram continued. "Indian bowlers Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan used to
call me and take advice, there is nothing wrong with that because when I was young I took advice
from Kapil Dev and the late West Indian Malcolm Marshall.
"I am
amazed at the narrow-mindedness of the people, they make mountains out of a molehill," he added.
"I am going to sue them instead. "
Akram also faces another
appearance in court, again because of a petition filed by a member of the public, following his
appearance in a liquor advertisement in India two years ago.
The judge adjourned the current
case until December 8.
Wasim Akram denies receiving offer to coach Indian
bowlers By Wasim Akram denies receiving offer to coach Indian bowlers
Kolkata, Nov 19 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain and fast bowler Wasim Akram Wednesday denied reports he had been made an offer to coach Indian bowlers.
"I haven't received any offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to coach its bowlers," Akram told IANS after participating in a panel discussion organised by sports broadcaster ESPN.
"I also read in newspapers that I had been made the offer to become India's bowling coach, but that's not true," he said.
The Indian Express had reported Wednesday that Akram had been approached for the bowling coach's job by the BCCI following a recommendation from Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
The daily quoted Ganguly as saying, "To me, he is the greatest fast bowler of the modern era. And I feel that since he is left-handed, (Indian bowlers) Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Irfan Pathan will benefit from his tips.
"Akram has always been helpful to junior cricketers. So we decided to propose his name to the board."
BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya too refuted reports that the board had approached Akram.
"We have no such plans," he said Tuesday evening, but another BCCI official was quoted in New Delhi as saying a deal could be in the offing.
Akram, however, said he would be willing to consider any offer to become a bowling coach. "I would be happy to help if anyone comes up with such an offer."
Akram retired this year after playing for 19 years. He played 104 Tests, taking 414 wickets at 23.62. He scored 2898 runs at an average of 22.64.
He played 356 one-day internartional matches taking 502 wickets at 23.52 and scored 3717 runs. He was the first man to achieve the double of 400 wickets in both Tests and one-day matches.
Akram is now a commentator with ESPN-Star Sports and will be in Australia next month when India tours that country.
He advised Indian pacers, most of whom are inexperienced, to start their homework right away.
"The focus should be on mental toughness and planning to be able to adapt to the Aussie conditions," he said.
"They (the bowlers) are talented but inexperienced. They shouldn't be flustered if they go for runs initially," said Akram, who suggested India should play five bowlers in Tests.
On India's tour to Pakistan in March, the stylish southpaw said: "It's time we went on with cricket, keeping politics out. Pakistan can come to India every year if they are asked to.
"Indian players would be treated like kings when they come to Pakistan," he noted.
Kolkata, Nov 19 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain and fast bowler Wasim Akram Wednesday denied reports he had been made an offer to coach Indian bowlers.
"I haven't received any offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to coach its bowlers," Akram told IANS after participating in a panel discussion organised by sports broadcaster ESPN.
"I also read in newspapers that I had been made the offer to become India's bowling coach, but that's not true," he said.
The Indian Express had reported Wednesday that Akram had been approached for the bowling coach's job by the BCCI following a recommendation from Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
The daily quoted Ganguly as saying, "To me, he is the greatest fast bowler of the modern era. And I feel that since he is left-handed, (Indian bowlers) Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Irfan Pathan will benefit from his tips.
"Akram has always been helpful to junior cricketers. So we decided to propose his name to the board."
BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya too refuted reports that the board had approached Akram.
"We have no such plans," he said Tuesday evening, but another BCCI official was quoted in New Delhi as saying a deal could be in the offing.
Akram, however, said he would be willing to consider any offer to become a bowling coach. "I would be happy to help if anyone comes up with such an offer."
Akram retired this year after playing for 19 years. He played 104 Tests, taking 414 wickets at 23.62. He scored 2898 runs at an average of 22.64.
He played 356 one-day internartional matches taking 502 wickets at 23.52 and scored 3717 runs. He was the first man to achieve the double of 400 wickets in both Tests and one-day matches.
Akram is now a commentator with ESPN-Star Sports and will be in Australia next month when India tours that country.
He advised Indian pacers, most of whom are inexperienced, to start their homework right away.
"The focus should be on mental toughness and planning to be able to adapt to the Aussie conditions," he said.
"They (the bowlers) are talented but inexperienced. They shouldn't be flustered if they go for runs initially," said Akram, who suggested India should play five bowlers in Tests.
On India's tour to Pakistan in March, the stylish southpaw said: "It's time we went on with cricket, keeping politics out. Pakistan can come to India every year if they are asked to.
"Indian players would be treated like kings when they come to Pakistan," he noted.
Healthy lifestyle can
control diabetes: Wasim Akram
Monday,
October 9 2006 13:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
Jaipur: "Healthy lifestyle is the key to controlling diabetes," says former Pakistan cricket captain and all-rounder Wasim Akram.
"Diabetes can be
managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, dietary control, proper medication
and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels," said Akram, who is also the Accu-Chek brand
ambassador, a company associated with innovation in diabetes care worldwide.
The former cricketer was speaking at the Accu-Chek Inspiration Series held here Friday .
Akram, a diabetic, felicitated five children with diabetes who have made significant accomplishments in different fields like sports, academics, music and other areas despite their illness.
Leading diabetologists from the city nominated these five children who did not allow diabetes to undermine their ability to "live life the way they want".
Akram awarded each 'inspired' child a commendation certificate along with an autographed bat.
The Pakistani player was diagnosed with diabetes at the peak of his career, but that did not deter him from achieving his professional goals.
Akram shared with the audience his personal experience with diabetes and how leading a disciplined life ensured a consistently good performance on the cricket field.
He said, "Recent studies have indicated that children in urban areas, especially in developing countries, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes when they grow up."
"This is largely due to changing lifestyle, physical inactivity, urban food habits and a genetic predisposition. There is therefore an urgent need to create awareness about diabetes on these young impressionable minds through events such as this," he said.
The World Health Organisation estimates that about 20 percent of the world's diabetics are Indians.
It further projects an increase in the incidence of diabetes in the Indian population to 79 million by 2030, giving India the dubious distinction of being the world's diabetes capital.
Monday,
October 9 2006 13:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
Jaipur: "Healthy lifestyle is the key to controlling diabetes," says former Pakistan cricket captain and all-rounder Wasim Akram.
"Diabetes can be
managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, dietary control, proper medication
and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels," said Akram, who is also the Accu-Chek brand
ambassador, a company associated with innovation in diabetes care worldwide.The former cricketer was speaking at the Accu-Chek Inspiration Series held here Friday .
Akram, a diabetic, felicitated five children with diabetes who have made significant accomplishments in different fields like sports, academics, music and other areas despite their illness.
Leading diabetologists from the city nominated these five children who did not allow diabetes to undermine their ability to "live life the way they want".
Akram awarded each 'inspired' child a commendation certificate along with an autographed bat.
The Pakistani player was diagnosed with diabetes at the peak of his career, but that did not deter him from achieving his professional goals.
Akram shared with the audience his personal experience with diabetes and how leading a disciplined life ensured a consistently good performance on the cricket field.
He said, "Recent studies have indicated that children in urban areas, especially in developing countries, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes when they grow up."
"This is largely due to changing lifestyle, physical inactivity, urban food habits and a genetic predisposition. There is therefore an urgent need to create awareness about diabetes on these young impressionable minds through events such as this," he said.
The World Health Organisation estimates that about 20 percent of the world's diabetics are Indians.
It further projects an increase in the incidence of diabetes in the Indian population to 79 million by 2030, giving India the dubious distinction of being the world's diabetes capital.
Wasim Akram--- The Sultan Of Swing
Wasim Akram, by becoming only the 4th bowler in test history to take 400 wickets and the only one to have taken 400 wickets in both forms of the game undoubtedly is one of those phenomenons, a freaked genius, that cricket fans and spectators the world over have been fortunate to witness for well over a decade.Wasim Akram is one of the many talented cricketers, Pakistan has thrown up on the World Stage inspite of it not having an organized cricketing structure. And the circumstances in which he made his debut against New Zealand quite explains this fact.
'He is the greatest left arm fast bowler the game has ever seen," said Don Bradman the legend himself about Wasim Akram. And how true the legend was as there has been no other bowler with such an unusual and quick arm action who has terrorized batsmen all around the world for over 15 years.
In 1984 before his rather unexpected debut in New Zealand, an 18 year old Wasim took part in a training camp in Pakistan under the tutelage of former test bowler Khan Muhammad.
His amazing bowling talent was recognized when he was selected to play against the touring New Zealand side in Rawalpindi. The match was a huge success for Wasim as he picked up seven wickets in that contest. That performance earned him the Pakistani cap as he was selected to play against New Zealand in the One day series at home.
One day debut: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Faisalabad 1984To many people's surprise Wasim made his one day debut before his test debut which in those days was considered unusual. But he did nothing of note in that match as his 4 overs cost him quite a bit and earned him no wicket. Pakistan also ended up on the wrong side as they lost the game.
Test Debut: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Auckland, 1985Like all aspiring youngsters, Wasim was keen to play test cricket for Pakistan and his desire finally bore fruit when he was selected in the Pakistani squad to tour New Zealand in 1985. He wasn't selected for the first test but he got his opportunity in the second test at Eden Park in Auckland.
His performance was nothing to write home about as he bagged a pair with the bat and in the only inns that he got to bowl he was carted all over the ground and returned rather unimpressive figures of 2/105 in 34.4 overs. His first wicket was of consistent opener John Wright whom he had caught by Saleem Malik for 66. Wasim had to also go through the humiliation of being in a losing side in his debut test. Pakistan were soundly thrashed by the Kiwis by an innings and 99 runs.
3rd Test: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Dunedin, 1985, Wasim makes headlines with match figures of 10/128
It was in the third test at Dunedin that Wasim showed his stuff as he grabbed 10 wickets in that test match albeit in a losing cause.
Wasim returned figures of 5/56 and 5/72 in the two inns respectively. The Carisbook test also ranks as one of the best games of cricket ever played between Pakistan and New Zealand.Wasim bowled with great pace and hostility in both the inns. Pakistan were in sight of a famous win when the Kiwis chasing 278 to win received a major set back as the big hitting Lance Cairns retired hurt and was taken to hospital with a suspected Skull fracture. When off spinner John Bracewell was caught by Tahir Naqqash off the bowling of Akram to give the rookie seamer his 10th wicket in the match the Kiwis were 228/8 and they were down to their last man Even Chatfield who had Jeremy Coney at the other end.
The Kiwis were still 50 runs shy of their victory target of 278. But Captain Jeremy Coney's unbeaten 111 along with stoic resistance from Even Chatfield who scored his highest first class score of 21 not out won the test match in dramatic style for the Kiwis.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Pakistanis and especially for young Wasim Akram who's efforts of 10/128 went in vain. Apart from Wasim Akram that test match also will be fondly remembered by Javed Miandad who completed 5000 runs and Richard Hadlee as he got his 250th test wicket.
First notable one day performance: Australia vs Pakistan Melbourne 1985
His performances in New Zealand were already being talked about when Pakistan arrived in Australia to participate in the World Championship of Cricket. After being beaten by arch rivals India in the opening match, at the MCG, Pakistan went on to defeat Australia at the same ground courtesy some fantastic bowling by Akram.
On a bouncy wicket Pakistan did well to bat first and score 262. Chasing a formidable victory target the Aussies found the tear away Akram impossible to negotiate and were bundled out for 200. Akram snapped up 5 Australian wickets conceeding just 21 runs, a performance which earned him his first man of the match award in ODI's.
Pakistan's first series win against arch rivals India at Bangalore and against England in England: 1987
Wasim Akram played a key role in thar dramatic test match victory by Pakistan over India at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy stadium. The win also gave the Pakistanis their first series triumph over their arch rivals on away soil. In a low scoring game Wasim Akram went wicket less in the first inns but in the second inns Pakistan Captain Imran Khan was looking for early breakthroughs with the new ball as India were chasing 221 to win with well over 2 days remaining.
Wasim also performed brilliantly against England in England as Pakistan won the 5 test series 1-0. Both those series wins were under the Captaincy of Imran Khan and people were already talking about Wasim as the successor to Imran.
On a spinner's paradise , Wasim chipped in with two crucial wickets that of the explosive Srikkanth and the dependable Mohinder Amarnath. Then Tauseef Ahmed and Iqbal Qasim took over and bowled India for 204 thereby giving the Pakistanis a dramatic 17 run win.
The match will also be remembered for Sunil Gavaskar's last test inns. Gavaskar made 96 runs and looked certain to take India to victory but Iqbal Qasim had him caught at first slip by Rizwan Uz Zaman with a snorter of a delivery that kicked and bounced.
Profile
A dream cricketer. 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. Wasim 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 hits like a kicking horse, but batsmanship is one skill in which Wasim has underachieved, despite a monumental 257 against Zimbabwe at 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 World Cup, he was among the eight players dumped after Pakistan's miserable performance. He retired shortly after, after a brief spell with Hampshire.
Full name :Wasim Akram
Born: June 3, 1966, Lahore, Punjab
Current age : 40 years
Teams Represented: Pakistan Automobiles Corporation, Lahore Cricket Association, Lancashire, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan
Major teams :Pakistan, Hampshire, Lahore, Lancashire, Pakistan Automobiles Corporation,
Pakistan International Airlines
Batting style :Left-hand bat
Bowling style :Left-arm fastStatsguru Test player, ODI player
Test Debut: Pakistan v New Zealand at Auckland, 2nd Test, 1984/85
Last Test: Pakistan v Bangladesh at Dhaka, 1st Test, 2001/02
ODI Debut: Pakistan v New Zealand at Faisalabad, 2nd ODI, 1984/85
Last ODI: Pakistan v Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, World Cup, 2002/03
Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1993
Comments:
Second only to the great Imran Khan, as one of Pakistan’s legendary cricketers. Although not known for blistering pace, he is more than capable of taking apart any batting line-up. A clever bowler who is able to modify both his pace and delivery according to both batting and pitch conditions. Regularly finds the outside edge of the bat. As a left arm paceman, he often causes problems for the batsman where they are used to dealing with mostly right arm bowlers.
The magic of Wasim Akram-A tribute on his 40 th birthday year
Jun 24 2006 4:57AM
Wasim was born on 3rd June 1966.The juvenile was spotted from a training camp of talented teenagers.He made his first class debut in 1984 in the opening match of New Zealand's tour of Pakistan.He gave a display of his sparkling talent,with figures of 7-50 and 2-54.John Wright was so impressed that he said,"Wasim ran off 15 paces and still hit the ball very hard getting the ball through so quicly almost effortlessly." He hardly made an impact in his debut Iternational match-a one dayer versus New Zealand reduced to 20 overs a side. ,bowling 4 overs for 31 runs.
In New Zealand the folowing Summer Wasim made an illustrious start although he hardly made an impact on his test debut ,in the 2nd test at Auckland.However at Dunedin the youngster bowled as if the spirits posessed him ,taking 10 wickets for 136 runs,(5-65 and 5-72).He almost pulled of a win for Pakistan as chasing about 275 New Zealand were reeling at 222 for 8 wickets ,with one batsmen retired hurt.However a ninth wicket partnership steered the Kiwis home and robbed Pakistan of victory.Wasim moved the ball like a champion showing his great prowess in a depleted attack,without Imran Khan.
In the World Championship of Cricket tournament the next month Wasim cleaned through the Aussie middle order taking 5-21 at M.C.G..claiming prize victims like Keppler Wessell 's,Dean Jones,Allan Border and Kim Hughes.Pakistan won the match and went on to reach the final which was significant.
Againt the West Indies in 1986 Wasim redeemed his reputation .In the first test at Faisalbad he took 6-91 runs in the 1st innings where Wst Indies were restrained to 248-a 59 run lead in the 1st innings.and i the 2nd Innings made a heroic 69 enabling Pakistan to give the calypsos a 242 run target .Pakistan bowled out their opponents for 53 runs,giving West Indies their first test defeat for almost 5 years!Now the cricketing world understood Wasim's talent not only as a bolwer but as a genuine all -rounder.
In India in 1986-87 considering the docile nature of the wickets Akram performed well taking a fine 4 wicket haul in the 4th test and two crucial wickets in the final innings of the crucial final test at Bangalore which Pak won by 16 runs -those of Shrikanth and Mohinder Amarnath with superb swinging yorkers-his master weapon.That played an instrumental historicrole in Pak's first win over India in India
In England ,that year Wasim displayed his ability to move the ball and although he was not statistically prolific ,he troubled a strong English batting line up with his prodigious swing and helped Pak win their first ever series in England.The combination of Wasim,Abdul Qadir and Imran was as lethal as Lillee and Thomson ,or the West India pace attack.
In the Reliance World Cup played in late 1987 Wasim bowled with graat accuracy throughout,but was rather expensive in the semi-final against Australia,perhaps costing Pakistan the match and the World Cup.
Wasom mantaided his reputation taking 31 wickest i 4 tests at home ,including a great spell versus West Indies,wher he captured 4 wickets in 5 balls.In the World Cup in 1992 Wasim bowled like a champion being the leading bolwer capturing 18 wickets.In the final he have a fine all round performance scoring a quickfire 33 ,helping Pakistan register 249.He then bowled with great craft dismissing Botham for 0,and in his 2nd spell bowled 2 of the most devastating deliveries ever bowled in one day International Cricket.One was a leg-cutter to bowl Allan Lamb and the other was an inswinging yorker to bowl ChrisLewis .
In 1992 Wasim had to lead the attack with Waqar and though Imran had retired the cricket world witnessed a pacebowling duo more lethal in seaming conditions than Lindwall-miller or Lillee-Thomson.They combined pace with reverse swing and won the series for Pakistan.Akram's batting was instrumental in Pakistan snatching a 2 wicket win in the 2nd test at Lords.(53 run partnership for the ninth wicket chasing about 150)In the final test at the Oval the duo ripped apart the English batting.They combined bouncers ,yorkers land eg-cutters and every possible delivery you would want to see.It is significant that historically in their test career together the Wasim-Waqar pair took 472 wickets,alomst 10 per match.
However that series had another tale.There was a controversy over ball tampering.It had become a highly debatable topic whether this was cheating.Allan Lamb claimed that the Pakistanis worked o one side of the ball ,to moisten one side, with spit and sweat while keeping the other side dry.
In 1993 Wasim and Waqar against New Zealand in New Zealand snatched victory for their side from the jaws of defeat with a sensational spell of pace bowling. New Zealand were set a target of 127 runs and slumped to 94 all out.A little later that yaer the duo repeated their performance but this time in the shorter version of the game.In 2 internationals South Africa were defeated from unassailable positions.In one game nee 49 of the last 10 overs wit 8 wickets standing and in another game about 40 runs with 5 wickets left.The Wasim-Waqar duo bowled a continuous barrage of inswinging yorkers and slashed through the Springbok's batting like a tiger tearing his prey.
In 1993 Wasim was chosen as a test captain for the tour of West Indies-the unofficial world championship of Test Cricket.However Pakistan were squarely beaten 2-0 which was a dissapointment to Cricket lovers who wished a far more closely-contested series.Many supporters were awaiting the moment when Pakistan were crowned the unofficial test world Champions,but it was not to be.
In 1994 Wasim was to relinquish his captaincy and Salim Malik was the skipper.On the New Zealand tour in early 1994 Wasim took a record 25 wickets including 7-119 in the 2nd test.Pakistan won the series 2-1.He foxed the Kiwis with his brilliant variation of outswing and inswing coupled with his yorkers.
In 1994 in Speptember the Aussies arived in Pakistan.THey alamost won the serise 3-0 but a last wicket partnership of 58 between Inzamam Ul Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed won them he first test chasing 314 after being 236-8 and 256-9.Wasim's 5 wicket haulhelped restrict Austraia in the 2nd Innings.
Again in 1995 Wasim got the captaincy.Pakistan were thrashed in the first two tests but won the last test redeemimg their reputation.In the 1996 World Cup Pakistan were out in the quarter final stage losing a dramatic game to India .It is significant that Akram was unable to play the quarter final game.
In 1996 Wasim led Pakistan to defeat England 2-0 in England.In the third test he reached the magic figure of 300 wickets.Back Home in Pakista he scored 257 not out agansit Zimbabwe,the highest ever made by a number 8 in test Cricket.In the next tset he captuted 10 wickets ..
However later that year in the 1996-97 serise Wasim magnificiently led his team to win the Carlton and United Triangular tournament in Australia.Pakistan beat West Indies in the final.They became the first team to ever beat the calypsos in the trianagular tournament final in Australia and the only overseas team after England and West Indies to win the tournament.Wasim's control and subtle chages of pace combined with his lethal yorkers were unplayable at times.
After that series unfortunately Wasim was affected by a shoulder injury ,and needed surgery.Now Saed Anwar was awrded the captaincy and now another chapter was written i Wasim's life and in Pakistan Cricket.Tis was the topic of match-fixing.In 1997 Pak made a whitewash of West Indies 3-0 in Pakistan with Akram playing a strong role.However Pakistan failed in the Singer cup and Wasim was slandered.The selectors went to the extent of dropping him for the South Africa and Zimbabwe tours.However once the match-fixing charges were warded off Wasim joined the tour in South Africa.Pakistan drew a series 1-1 in South Africa which was creditable.
In 1998 Wasim played underRashid Latif,Aamir Sohail ,Saeed Anwar and Moin Khan but by 1999 once again he was recalled to captaincy.On the tour of India he led Pak to a 1-1 drawn series and victory in the Asian test Championship test match coming from behind.His leadership was instrumental on their 2 close wins when things almsot seemed lost.Versus Bangladesh in the final at Dhakha he became the third bowler to take a second hat-trick in test matches and the first to take hat-tricks in more than one country.Pakistan then went oto win a one day tournament in Sharjah.
Wasim was captain for the 1999 World Cup in England.He led the team to the final ,which was an outstanding performance in it's own right.In the league stage Pak beat Australia and came within a stone's throw of beating the favourites South Africa.With their unpredictable and varied attack and long batting line-up with all -rounders, Pakistan should have won the tournament.Match-fixing was suspected in Pak's defeat at the hands of Bangladesh and India.The team palyed so poorly in the final,that they were all charged with match-fixing and placed on trial.
In 1999-2000 Pakistan were outclassed 3-0 in Australia but came very close to winning the 2nd tset where a crucial umpiring decison of Justin Langer let them down .They were also thrashed in the one day finals.
In 2000 in West Indies playing under MoinKhan Akram almost took Pakistan to their first ever series win in West Indies.Te fisrts 2 tests were drawnI and in the final test bowling at his brilliant best he produced figures of 6-61 and 5-59 bowling like a marathon runner.With 19 runs to win for West Indies and 2 wickets remaining a crucial decision let down Pakistan. Jimmy Adams,the pivot of the West Indian batting was given not out after the replay showed he was out caught behind.Though the ninth wicket fell very shortly afterwardsit was taht of atailender and not Jimmy Adams.It was only because Jimmy Adams survived that West Indies could steer themselves through to the target .Adams shielded Walsh for most of the time.It was sad that Akram could not bowl his team to a famous victory.However that's Cricket!
Wasim bowed out of International Cricket after the 2003 World Cup where Pakistan were humiliated.It was total contrast to Imran Khan's career who not only led his team but won the World cup!
Wasim retired claiming 414 wickets in 104 test matches at an average of 23.62 capturing 5 wickets 25 times and 10 wickets 5 times.Wasim took 502 wickest in one day games and overall has captured 916 wickets.No bowler is close to that yet!Adding test matches and one day internationals I rate Wasim the greatest bowler of all .With Dennis Lilee and Macolm Marsall I rate Wasim Akram ,the most complete fast bowler I have ever seen.I rate Wasim Akram the best fast bowler of his era as Glen Mcgrath or Curtly Ambrose did not have to bowl as much on dead tracks and they could not swing the ball as much as Wasim.Akram.Wasim also had a greater repertoire of deliveries.Ambrose and Mcgrath had greater control and accuracy but i would still say Wasim was the more difficult to faceWe must remember that Wasim took half his test scalps on the docile wickets of the subcontinent.On the flattest wickets he could extract bounce and swing and trouble the greatest batsmen.No bowler in the history of the game has been more versatile .He was lethal with the old and new ball and no fast bowler ever swung an old ball so much.Ayaz Memon writes,"He could swing the ball in and away,and so late that the best batsmen would be lost.He could bowl seam up,or run his fingers across the stitches to bowloff and leg-cutters.He had an incedible variety,perhaps a range of a dozen different deliveries."No bolwer has been a better exponent of the inswinging yorker.Curtly Ambrose thinks Wasim is the greatest bowler he has ever seen. and states that even he could not swing a cricket ball like Wasim.Gavaskar,Gooch,Viv Richards or Tendulkar state he is the best they have faced.Though at his peak Waqar Younus was the more devastating (indeed no bowler since the Second World War has been more penetrating than him at his peak) Wasim has always been the more complete bowler. Wasim had an incredible repertoire-inswing, outswing, reverse swing in both directions, off cutters, vicious bouncers, late cutters, swinging yorkers, perfectly disguised slower balls, over the wicket, round the wicket! Most players in their auto/biographies who played against both of them say they preferred to face Waqar because although he was devastating you basically knew what was coming--with Wasim though you never knew as he could bowl six different deliveries in one over! Amazing.
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