Karachi, Pakistan – Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in the history of the game, has publicly acknowledged and, in his characteristic affable style, saluted the “effort” of the artist behind his new statue. The sculpture, which depicts Akram in the kit of the 1999 World Cup team – a tournament where Pakistan finished as runners-up – was installed outside the Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad in April. Situated alongside a statue of a tiger, the monument has quickly become a talking point, particularly on social media, where it has spawned a range of reactions, from genuine appreciation to lighthearted mockery.
The statue has garnered significant attention, with one fan humorously mocking it by stating, “The only thing that looks real is the ball,” before adding that the face bore a closer resemblance to Hollywood action hero Sylvester Stallone than to the iconic fast bowler himself. This comment quickly went viral, highlighting the challenges of capturing a true likeness in sculptural art, especially for such a recognizable public figure.
Despite the online banter and the varied feedback, Wasim Akram himself took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to offer his perspective, choosing to praise the underlying effort rather than focusing on any perceived inaccuracies. “Lots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad,” he posted, before adding with a touch of self-deprecating humor, “Mine is definitely better than the tiger.” This lighthearted remark showcased his good-natured personality and ability to take criticism in stride. Akram, who was also the leading wicket-taker in the 1992 World Cup when Pakistan famously claimed the trophy, underscored his philosophy by stating, “It’s the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort and thanks to everyone involved.” His response elegantly shifted the focus from aesthetic perfection to the intent behind the tribute.
The installation of sports statues outside stadiums is a cherished tradition in many cricketing nations. Australia, for instance, has a history of placing statues of their iconic players outside their famous arenas, celebrating their cricketing heroes for generations to come. More recently, India unveiled a statue of their master batter Sachin Tendulkar outside a stadium in Mumbai in 2023, commemorating his unparalleled contributions to the game. These statues serve as enduring symbols of sporting legacy and inspiration for future generations of athletes and fans.
Niaz Stadium chief Shiraz Leghari, in a statement to AFP, also acknowledged the artist’s dedication. “The artist did his best effort, but accepts it doesn’t resemble (Akram) a hundred percent,” Leghari conceded, echoing the sentiment that while perfection might be elusive, the sincerity of the tribute is paramount. Wasim Akram’s career statistics speak volumes about his legendary status: he represented Pakistan in 104 Tests, taking 414 wickets, and in 356 One Day Internationals, where he claimed an astonishing 502 wickets, making him one of the most prolific bowlers in the sport’s history. His amiable response to the statue controversy only adds to his revered status as a beloved figure in Pakistani cricket.
