Wasim Akram is the role model for hundreds of thousands of youngsters, all over Pakistan and in many parts of the world where cricket is played. A role model is someone who others look up to and admire. A role model provides inspiration and motivation like Wasim Akram, who is an intelligent, a courageous person and one of the best cricketers in the world.

Wasim Akram’s bowling stance, ball in hand, golden chain swing as he charged down the pitch as if he were charging into battle is embedded in people’s minds. Wasim’s personality has motivated many youngsters to try and imitate him in many ways.

Wasim’s self assurance displays his self esteem which is why youngsters want to emulate him. His courageous battle with diabetes and his sponsorship to fight diabetes has shown youngsters how to endure and face tribulations with courage. Despite the psychological setback after being diagnosed with diabetes, he managed to regain his form and went on to give impressive cricket performances. His help for diabetic patients is what has impressed the youth of today. His active involvement in awareness campaign for diabetics has only made the youth look up to him.

His leadership of the Pakistani Cricket team in one day internationals won him many laurels. The youth are proud of the fact that Wasim Akram is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He holds the world record for the most wickets in limited over’s cricket, and is second only to Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralirthran in One Day International Cricket. His induction in the ICC Test Dream XI has certainly added another glorious chapter to his already jeweled legacy. His welfare projects like supporting BHR – Basic Human Rights and Roche – Pakistan are only made possible due to his belief in giving back to the community.

Wasim Akram is considered to be the founder and the finest exponent of reverse swing bowling. In 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, another feather in his cap, and more inspiration for the youngsters who want to be like him. Wasim Akram is what every youngster in Pakistan aspires to be.

Written by: Ifrah Waqar
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

Wasim Akram – an international face, is not just a recognition he has achieved but a phenomenon envied by many. The journey started from the narrow streets of Mozzang, Lahore has taken him to be the bowling Coach for Kolkata Knight Riders; and he has gathered a loyal fan following on the way.

The Sultan of Swing is not only a bowling guru to many youngsters today but an incredibly strong individual too. He was diagnosed with diabetes at the peak of his career and chose to turn it into a source of inspiration to other diabetics around the world. He is the official face of Accu-Check Performa by Roche and works to spread awareness about diabetes, its cure and preventive measures.

In his county cricket experience as the opening bowler for Lancashire’s County Cricket Club, the local British fans were so proud of his association with the club that they even had a song for him, ‘Wasim for England’. A lot of Pakistani cricketers were and are associated with different cricket counties in England but it seems that the lady luck had a softer corner for our very own King of Swing.

He was popular in all the land that played cricket and the legend of Wasim Akram, an international face raised even high after his retirement when he became increasingly popular in the media; first with his cricket commentaries, his presence as guest judge in sport-related reality shows and most importantly, his induction in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in September 2009.

In addition to Accu-Check Performa, his brand ambassadorship for Mobilink and Lifebuoy has greatly increased his international recognition. His association as a bowling coach for Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders, an Indian Premier League franchise, also added to his international fan following.

Like his lethal inswinging yorkers, his popularity as an international icon fills his loyal fans with a pride that borders to a sense of personal accomplishment. That, ladies and gentleman, is the Power of the Sultan.

Written by: Madiha Riaz
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

Wasim Akram the man who needs no introduction. The Sultan of Swing led quite a prosperous career throughout his playing days. Akram has played a key role in Pakistan’s development over the last 15 years, encouraging its status as a formidable cricketing nation. His greatest assets are his achievements in the playing ground.

The greatest moment in Wasim Akram’s career was most certainly his feat at the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia. In the final against England, he contributed with both bat and ball. His personal score 33 off 19 deliveries, and a bowling spell in which he took 3 wickets, including the vital the sack of Ian Botham, Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis ensured Pakistan’s very first World Cup victory. Akram was rewarded for his pains with the Man of the Match Award.

Some people say that Wasim Akram could never live up to the potential he had in his batting but still holds quite a list of achievements with the bat. Considering his ODI career he scored 3717 in 356 matches with his highest score being 86 runs. On the other hand, during his test series career he was able to score 2898 runs in only 10 matches with his best being recorded at 257 runs not out. His score of 257 runs is the highest ever by a number eight batsman. Wasim Akram holds the highest number of sixes in a test match which stands at 12.

While his batting ratios can be upstaged but his bowling standards are utterly sublime. He truly lived up to the name of ‘sultan of swing’ throughout his career. During his ODI career in 256 matches he took 502 wickets with his best being 5 wickets and 15 runs. He was able to take 414 wickets in a merely 104 matches, his best being 7 wickets and 117 runs.

Showing his capabilities in figures, he was the first ever bowler to take 400 wickets in both ODI and test matches. He has a count of 4 hat-tricks. Two of these were from test matches, making him one of the3 only 3 players to do so in history. He is also recorded as one of only 2 players to have hat-tricks in the test and ODI forms.

Wasim Akram is one of 3 people who have captured 4 wickets off of 5 deliveries. He achieved this during the West Indies Tour of Pakistan in 1990 -1991. Wasim Akram has achieved almost all heights, a cricketer dreams off. He is truly a legend of cricket.

Reported by: S. M. Anas Uddin
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Two rivals facing one another in Melbourne ground prepared to knock each other down with finest bowling and batting, here when Wasim took the position of a champion. The finest hour of Wasim’s cricket career spotted and a success story began for Pakistan cricket team to becoming World Champions in 1992 World Cup. By taking 3 wickets during the final match, a record was set by Wasim as savior of the day under the title of player of the tournament for taking 18 wickets during all the play-offs.

With two consecutive deliveries during the final, Wasim sent Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis back to pavilion giving them a hard chase at the score of 141. Ian Botham left the ground in despair upon confrontation Wasim. At a crucial phase having 4 wickets in hand; England witnessed a weak batting line which pushed them towards losing the match eventually. A memorable day lasted with a cherished moment that will glow throughout Wasim’s cricket career.

Wasim made England lose their most reliable and valuable wicket in the beginning which shattered all their hopes to win against Pakistan. These tremendous efforts by Wasim are marked in the book of records and made history which paved the way for Pakistan’s triumphant victory.

Written by: Kiran Khalil
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

After retiring from active cricket, Wasim Akram has embarked on a career that has kept him in the limelight. He is a sport caster for ESPN Star Sports, a popular and reputed sports channel. Besides ESPN, Wasim Akram has also done commentary for ARY Digital and HUM TV, using his methodical observations for analyzing the move of players. This has resulted in the popularity of Wasim Akram and his Media Career.

Wasim Akram has done commentary for some memorable events such as the Women’s World Cup 2001, ICC Twenty20 2009 World Cup which was held in England. ICC Champions Trophy 2009 held in South Africa and the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. He is regarded as one of the best commentators in the world.

Cricket lovers love his exclusive style of commenting as he describes the proceedings, commenting on every feature vividly for the benefit of his TV audience and the spectators. Many aspiring and veteran commentators have adapted his style of commentary by commenting on every minute detail of any match without any gaps. He has won the heart of his audience as he did with his very unique style of bowling.

For Wasim Akram and his Media Career he has worked tirelessly through the media on various diabetes campaigns, to create awareness about diabetes because he himself is a diabetic. Wasim Akram is also the brand ambassador for Mobilink Jazz, which has increased his exposure to the public. He also is the brand ambassador for Lifebuoy Soap. This has made him very popular, especially with children, who adore him.

Most recently Wasim took part in an environmental campaign to try and stop the use of plastic bags, which have caused widespread environmental damage, especially in Pakistan and other third world countries. Wasim Akram is as well liked now, as when he was the best reverse swing bowler in the world.

Written by: Richard Thomas
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

Wasim Akram is amongst the greatest fast bowlers and all round cricketers the world has known. He was a left fast arm bowler, and also a left handed batsman. Wasim Akram holds the world record for the most wickets taken, and is the second bowler to take 502 wickets in One Day International Matches.

Wasim Akram was spotted by the legend Javed Miandad in trials at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, at whose insistence Wasim Akram was included in the Pakistan Team. Later Imran Khan became his mentor in 1989 in Australia.

In Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies in 1988, Wasim Akram was the fastest bowler of both teams. Wasim Akram took a total of 414 wickets in Test Cricket. Wasim’s best bowling figures in Test Cricket were 119 runs given for seven wickets, and in One Day Internationals, he took five wickets for only 15 runs.

Wasim Akram’s greatest achievement was his role when Pakistan won the World Cup in Australia in 1992. Although it is was his all round performance that won him the Man of the Match award, his devastating bowling that bowled out Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis was what Wasim Akram is remembered for. His all round performance secured the World Cup for Pakistan.

Wasim Akram was the master of swing bowling. Waqar Younus and Wasim Akram are credited as the most lethal bowling partnership in the history of Cricket. Although Waqar Younus complemented Wasim Akram, still when it came to deception, no bowler ever came close to Wasim Akram. The greatest batsmen in the world like Sachin Tendulakar, Brian Lara, De Silva Sangakara and Jayasuria all spoke with awe about Wasim Akram’s bowling.

Wasim Akram had fantastic balance and a very quick arm, and he could swing the ball in a different manner with every delivery. It was his unmatched ability to reverse swing the ball that was Wasim’s strongest point, and the one he was the most recognized for.

Wasim Akram was a brilliant bowler on any pitch, and could reverse swing the ball in any condition. No matter what type of pitch it was flat pitch, slow pitch or quick pitch, Wasim Akram thrived on all pitches and bowled equally well on all pitches in the world.

Wasim Akram’s cricket career had many upheavals, especially when he was the captain. There were persistent rumors of dis-satisfaction amongst the players. In spite of the pressures of being captain of a very temperamental team, it is his dedication to cricket and his very strong character that he went on to be inducted in the Cricket Hall of Fame. He was a cricketer who made the ball do his bidding on any pitch and the ball being in any condition.

Written by: Ifrah Waqar.
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

An icon that will always be looked upon by every cricket player in Pakistan, Wasim Akram has created wonders on the field and has continued to spread his charm off field with his commentary. Shortly after retirement Wasim has taken cricket commentary as his career which has redefined his analytical skills to professionally observe every move of players within the ground. Wasim has done commentary for different television channels including ESPN Star Sports and ARY Digital which increased his popularity and demand, at the same time.

His commentary session included various remarkable tournaments that are part of the cricket world. There are some of the most exciting and worth mentioning matches which Wasim has taken charge of commenting, including Women’s Cricket World Cup 2009, ICC World Twenty20 2009 held in England, ICC champions Trophy of 2009 in South Africa and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. To project a genuine perfect persona of the players with a professional streak is a skill that sets Wasim apart from his other fellow commentators.

The unique style of commenting, taking into consideration every aspect which is necessary to portray to the listeners and spectators, Wasim has been scoring his sixes within the commentary room with his expertise. To rank him among the other commentators cannot be justified as every commentator has its own style which makes them special in their own manner.

Akram is working as a regular ESPN Star Sports commentator which has sustained his high profile in his media career. Wasim has been able to teach many the art of noticing the spaces that are left unnoticed during a match with his keen observation. As a bowler he has been thriving to win the hearts of his fans, which apparently is seen during his commentary career.

His broad vision has inspired our players in a positive way and made them realize of the mistakes which are made on the field. There is a lot to learn from this legend if the players follow his advice which can be taken from his commentary during different matches.

Performing at the International level and then again getting associated with the field; it is easy for Wasim Akram to grab every move which depicts the intentions of the bowlers and the batsmen. Wasim Akram’s flawless commentary enchants his fans all around the world who love to hear him commenting the shifts and progress on the field while bestowing his listeners with his highly professional advice.

Written by: Kiran Khalil
For more info: info@wasimakramlive.com

A celebrity like Wasim Akram is meant to be an asset which gives pride to our country throughout the world. The left-handed fast bowler knows every trick to make a batsman insecure of his place on the field. Wasim held the top position as a bowler during his cricket career and afterward, a person to look up to as a legend to be followed.

Wasim Akram’s image remained prominent due to his superlative reverse swing bowling which has been accepted legally as a feature of cricket. People in Pakistan and all around the globe recognize Wasim as the ‘sultan of swing’ who has worked hard to sustain his good image. With the personification of perfection, this six feet tall man has made records worth mentioning. After his career, he stayed connected with several campaigns that carried out their work for the betterment of people. Not to forget his involvement in media as a brand manager of Jazz and Lifebuoy, which gave a boost to his image.

Recently, being part of an environmental campaign Earth Hour Wasim Akram pledged to stop the usage of plastic bags. In 2003, he took retirement from cricket and joined to be a cricket commentator. He took up the job of a sportscaster for a reputed sports channel ESPN. He did host shows on ARY DIGITAL and HUM TV. One of his contributions includes working as an advisor for varying cricket boards. He is one of the best commentators of the cricket world, which was noted during the ICC 2011 World Cup matches.

His contributions to raise awareness for diabetes are worth mentioning. Wasim’s efforts as a vanguard to safe people from diabetes has many stories involved. Wasim also remained an integral part of world of cricket commentary in 2008 for Women Cricket World Cup. There are series of matches which can be mentioned when we talk about Wasim Akram as he did a fine job in making those matches more intriguing with his expertise and bird’s eye view to point out each move.

He has not only sustained his image during his career as a bowler but also made an everlasting impact in the media by persistently doing productive work. Each move he made has mounted his national and international representation ten times higher as an icon than one can imagine.

Written by: Kiran Khalil
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

The joy of winning a World Cup is sweeping across India and why not? With three Asian teams in the last four, I think the entire sub-continent should be happy with India ‘s victory. Pakistan and Sri Lanka too did very well in this championship and should be proud of themselves.

There can be only one winner and India deserved to be the champions. According to me, the biggest match of the World Cup was the semifinal at Mohali. There can’t be a bigger battle than a clash between India and Pakistan . India were in full control of the high-voltage semifinal and the way they handled the pressure, no one was going to stop them in the final. I am not surprised that Sri Lanka were simply blown away.

I have all along said India were the favorites. Except for a few hiccups along the way, India were consistent throughout. India ‘s average bowling attack was well covered up by the all-round team effort as the batsmen and fielders rose to the occasion when required. The final was a case in point. The Indians fielded like tigers and a bowler gets a massive boost when his mates chase every ball to stop runs.

The fact that Kumar Sangakkara said Sri Lanka needed at least 350-370 runs to beat India underlines the solidity of India ‘s batting. I had written in my preview Virender Sehwag was due for a big one, but the way the Indian top order came good having lost Sehwag and Tendulkar cheaply, was just amazing.

Gautam Gambhir and young Virat Kohli played crucial knocks under pressure and this is a lesson for batsmen like Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shahzad in Pakistan . But, if there was one man who took the game by the scruff of its neck, it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His decision to bat at No. 5 was not only wise, but it also spoke about his mindset as a captain.

Dhoni, not the most beautiful batsman in the world, used his batting skills to telling effect. He not only grafted runs, he kept the pressure on Gambhir to run quick singles and convert singles into twos. Dhoni’s calmness in the middle was something to note. The situation never got the better of him. That’s the hallmark of a good captain. This is what I saw in Imran Khan, a man who soaked pressure and kept things simple in complex situations. Dhoni is not far away from Imran.

The latest ICC rankings are out and India are still No. 2 in the ODI list. Australia may lead the table with a seven-point cushion over India , but that’s all for the record books. According to me, India today is what Australia used to be three years ago: a great team with positive attitude and a hunger to excel every time they go out in the middle.

While I am happy that Australia ‘s monopoly has been shattered, I will still not say this is the start of Asian domination in world cricket. The more India , Pakistan and Sri Lanka win overseas, the belief will get stronger. All three teams are capable to play on quick and bouncy tracks and although this is too early to predict, at least two among India , Pakistan and Sri Lanka will surely make the semifinals of the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand !

India certainly owe a big thank you to Gary Kirsten. The South African has been a calming influence on the team and if the young guns like Yuvraj, Kohli and Gambhir lifted the coach on their shoulders, it was to tell Kirsten that he was loved and respected in the dressing room. The advantage of having a foreign coach is now clear: no politicking in the dressing room, cricket is the only goal.

Before I conclude, let me salute two of the greatest in the game: Sachin and Murali. The Sri Lankan office has bid farewell at the right juncture of his life. He has proved what cricket gives you when you try your best. We will miss him. For Sachin, sky is the limit. So good luck, Little Master!

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Tenth ICC World Cup has been passing through a number of unpredictable stages which leads this intriguing journey towards a final end yet to be announced. A lot of hopes were up for various teams representing their respective countries, which got knocked out of the tournament and faced a sheer disappointment. As much of the anticipation got ruffled when players failed to meet the hopes and wishes of their fans. A recent example of such incident was the much-awaited semi-final between India and Pakistan which shattered all the hopes of Pakistanis.

With invariable transformations witnessed in performances, to analyze ICC World Cup Final 2011 between India and Sri Lanka would be difficult as much as this final would be. Two powerful teams with immense talented players will face each other on the field on April 2nd 2011 in Mumbai to create history. In any case, one team has to go back with misfortune while the other will celebrate the bliss of victory.

People are yet to witness India’s performance because of home turf advantage. On the other hand, Sri Lanka cannot be taken as a harmless rival, having bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan ‘The Loins’ are up to sock India out of the World Cup 2011. Not to undermine Sri Lankan batsman who have a great history of staying glued to the pitch getting runs even by making singles.

India once again having the benefit of home ground can score and fight well with supporters all around. It would be considered a facile defeat of Sri Lanka, if India would be able to play its triumph in the ICC World Cup 2011. Indians remained victorious in making a way out and in overcoming the barriers up till now. Indian team has inflicted a great deal of hope among their people with an exceptional performance of the little master, Sachin Tendulkar, and other bunch of talented players.

There are also areas in which both the teams lag behind, when it comes to India, bowlers are unable to bundle out players like Sangakara and Mahela Jayawardene, and eventually are not entirely to be relied upon to win the World Cup. They need to practice and carve out the best in players in order to fulfill their dreams.
Much of the play will be depending upon the toss, also on who elects to bat first; it would favor one of the teams according to their strategy for the day.

To take this ship through sturdy and heavy tides both teams are practicing hard and fans keeping their fingers crossed. The victory lies in hard work and extraordinary performances that will hopefully be depicted persistently every moment that will pass throughout the match.

Written by: Kiran Khalil
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com