Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram (Urdu: وسیم اکرم‎; born 3 June 1966) is a Pakistani cricket commentator, cricket coach and former cricketer who was captain of the Pakistan national cricket team. A left-arm fast bowler, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. Akram is also a left-handed batsman, and his all-round skills have earned him the title of "Sultan of Swing".

Early life and domestic career

Akram was born in Lahore, Pakistan. He made his first-class debut for Lahore at the age of 17, and soon established himself as one of the most promising young fast bowlers in the country. He made his Test debut for Pakistan in 1985, and his One Day International (ODI) debut in 1984.

Akram quickly became a regular member of the Pakistan team, and helped them win the 1992 Cricket World Cup. He was named Man of the Match in the final, taking 3 wickets for 49 runs. Akram also played in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups, and was named Man of the Tournament in 1999.

Akram was also a successful domestic cricketer, playing for Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Islamabad. He won the National One-Day Championship four times, and the National T20 Championship twice.

International career

Akram played 104 Tests and 356 ODIs for Pakistan. He took 414 Test wickets and 502 ODI wickets, making him one of the highest wicket-takers in cricket history. He also scored 2,828 Test runs and 3,717 ODI runs.

Akram was a brilliant swing bowler, and his ability to move the ball both ways at high speed made him a handful for batsmen. He was also a dangerous batsman, and was often used as a pinch-hitter.

Akram was a key member of the Pakistan team that won the 1992 Cricket World Cup. He was also named Man of the Tournament in the 1999 World Cup.

Retirement and commentary career

Akram retired from international cricket in 2003. He has since worked as a cricket commentator for various television networks. He has also been involved in coaching, working with the Pakistan national cricket team and the Lahore Qalandars franchise in the Pakistan Super League.

Awards and honors

Akram has received numerous awards and honors for his cricketing achievements. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1992, and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. He was also awarded the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 1992.

Personal life

Akram was married to Huma Mufti from 1995 to 2009. They had two sons together. Akram remarried in 2013 to Shaniera Akram. They have a daughter together.

Akram is a philanthropist and has donated money to various charities. He is also a patron of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore.