The Pakistanis should be legitimately proud of their flamboyant cricket-warrior Wasim Akram who has become a legend in his lifetime. His incredible haul of more than 400 wickets, both in Tests and One Day Internationals, in unparalleld in the annals of cricket. It was his diamond quality called determination that spurred him on to reach these remarkable milestones. Vibrant, vivacious, very often volatile, nonetheless spiritedly versatile, Wasim Akram is the cynosure of all eyes when he is on the field. In fact, he is the livewire of the team.
Wasim the bowler :
Wasim is a brilliant bowler: there is no gainsaying that statement. Teams that were headind for sure victory have had their backbone broken when Wasim Akram bowled the last few overs with his fast, deadly and straight pitching, especially his awesome yorker that had caused the middle-stump to go cartwheeling on many an occasion. He bowls with such dynamism and authority that super-class batsmen are often non-plussed. He also has the singular honour of taking a double hat-trick against Sri-Lanka.
Wasim the batsman :
Wasim is a belligerent batsman feared by most of the bowlers because he can clobber any one of them over the fence for an almighty six. He has a couple of centuries to his credit including a classic double-century to boot. He can cut loose, smash and wallop the ball for towering sixes and delightful fours. He is an exciting and exhilarating batsman when in the right mood.
Wasim the fielder :
An efficient and excellent fielder, Wasim Akram has very safe hands and rarely misses a catch. His throws are quick and accurate. Very agile and alert in the field, it is a pleasing sight to watch him run, field or hold on to a difficult catch. Over the years he has matured and is very dependable.
A colourful career :
Well built tall, athletic and handsome, Wasim Akram, the cavalier and carefree cricketer has brought lasting name and fame to his country in the cricketing arena. So much to the great nation of Pakistan rightly honoured him some months ago with one of its highest awards. All the same, he has been the centre of uglycontroversies, accusations and interminable match-fixing allegations. He was removed from captaincy; re-appointed as captain and again demoted. We could sense these "ups and downs" in his eventful career. He accepted his crowns and crosses manfully and corageously evincing much poise and dignity. Whatever the situation is and in whatever capacity he plays, his profound and ardent love both for his country and for cricket has not diminished a wee bit. He is a great patriot always giving of his best. He glows with enthusiasm and his ferocity reaches a crescendo when he plays against his arch rivals the Indian's. He makes sure that he well and truly demolishes them. whether it be a Test series or One Day Internationals.
He may get angry very quickly; his facial expression betray his emotion and bad temper, but they are short-lived. His utterances on the field and curt remarks portraying his unpredictable and melancholic character, and add colour to his striking personality. His indomitable courage in the face of awkward situation's is self-evident. After all, he is a gentleman at large.
A great inspiration :
Man of the match umpteen times, because of his scintillating bowling or swashbucking knock of some sizeable runs, it has been a real pleasure watching him in action, in Pakistan, over many years. It is now a pure delight to see him play in our motherland, where his valuable contribution to cricket may inspire our own budding cricketers, with his calibre, quality and tenacious dedication to the game.
Apart from him brief outburst of temper in the field, which is part and parcel of his personality, Wasim the wonder boy of cricket, is a lovable character, jovial, fun-loving and a charming person, whom one would like to be associated eith. His immense contribution to cricket cannot be measured or described in words. He is a priceless jewel embellishing the cricket-crown.
Wasim Akram Zindabad! |
