Two iconic cricketers came together as Pakistan celebrated the induction of Wasim Akram – one of the greatest fast bowlers the world has seen – into PCB Hall of Fame with West Indin legend Sir Vivian Richards, known as the master blaster, presenting Akram the cap and the plaque.
Forever etched into the memory of sports lover, Akram’s two wickets on two successive delivers against England in the 1992 World Cup final won him legendary fame around the world.
Akram, who also captained Pakistan, took a total of 916 wickets and scored 6,615 runs in an international career from 1984 to 2003.
The left-arm pace bowler, known as the Sultan of Swing, has already been inducted in the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame.
Wasim Akram is one of the eight Pakistan stalwarts who are members of the PCB Hall of Fame. Others are Abdul Qadir, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Waqar Younis, and Zaheer Abbas, who will be formally inducted into the prestigious group in the coming days.
Wasim Akram said: “I feel privileged to have received this great honor from Sir Vivian Richards, one of the most iconic figures in cricket, and at a venue that remained my home ground during my playing career. I also want to compliment the Pakistan Cricket Board for launching this initiative to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of former cricketers.
“It has been an honor to represent Pakistan over 18 years during which I played in 460 international matches. Every wicket and every run I scored in these matches was priceless. I can’t thank God Almighty enough for providing me the opportunity to serve this great country at the highest level.
“I want to thank all my fans who have been my greatest strengths. Their support has been invaluable. I also want to thank my family and friends who stood beside me during this incredible journey.”
Sir Vivian Richards, who very early in Akram’s career recognized the fast bowler’s unique talent, said: “I feel delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to formally induct Wasim Akram into the PCB Hall of Fame.
“My first encounter with Wasim Akram was in 1985 in Australia and in the twilight of my career, I was happy I would not be facing him much. I clearly remember telling my junior partner that he will cause a lot of problems for his generation of cricketers and Wasim proved me right.
“Wasim has been an outstanding cricketer and a great ambassador for our sport.”
Both cricketers are now managing teams that are part of the Pakistan Super League, a premier tournament showcasing some of the most talented Pakistani and foreign cricketers.
