Wasim Akram

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Wasim Akram (born 3 June 1966) is a former Pakistani cricketer, cricket commentator, and coach. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Akram was a prominent figure in the Pakistan national cricket team from 1984 to 2003.

Early Life

Wasim Akram was born in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. He attended Islamia College in Lahore, where he began to show his talent in cricket.

International Career

Akram made his debut for the Pakistan national cricket team in 1984 in a One Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand. He quickly established himself as a key player in both ODIs and Test matches.

Test Cricket

Wasim Akram played 104 Test matches for Pakistan, taking 414 wickets at an average of 23.62. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his lethal reverse swing.

One Day Internationals

In ODIs, Akram played 356 matches and took 502 wickets, making him one of the highest wicket-takers in the format. He was a crucial part of Pakistan's 1992 Cricket World Cup-winning team.

Notable Achievements

• First bowler to reach 500 wickets in ODIs.
• Leading wicket-taker in the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
• Ranked as the best bowler in ODI cricket by the ICC in 2002.

Post-Retirement

After retiring from international cricket in 2003, Akram has worked as a cricket commentator and coach. He has been involved with various Twenty20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Personal Life

Wasim Akram was married to Huma Mufti until her death in 2009. He later married Shaniera Thompson in 2013. He has three children.

Legacy

Wasim Akram is often referred to as the "Sultan of Swing" for his exceptional ability to swing the cricket ball. He has inspired many young cricketers and remains a respected figure in the cricketing world.

See Also

• Pakistan national cricket team
• Cricket World Cup
• Reverse swing
• Fast bowling