Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has responded with trademark grace and humour to the social media storm over a statue of him recently installed outside Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium — a tribute that some fans claim bears more resemblance to Sylvester Stallone than the cricketing icon himself.
Unveiled in April, the statue depicts Akram in his 1999 World Cup attire mid-delivery stride — a nod to the tournament where Pakistan finished runners-up. Nearby, a statue of a tiger adds to the dramatic installation. But what was meant to be a gesture of honor quickly became internet fodder, with fans lampooning the statue’s facial features and awkward posture.
“The only thing that looks real is the ball,” one user joked, while others flooded social media with memes and comparisons to film characters.
Yet Akram, admired as much for his personality as his pace bowling, took the criticism in stride. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Lots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is definitely better than the tiger. It’s the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort and thanks to everyone involved.”
The sculptor’s effort, though falling short of perfect likeness, was acknowledged by Niaz Stadium chief Shiraz Leghari, who admitted, “The artist did his best effort, but accepts it doesn’t resemble (Akram) a hundred percent.”
Akram, widely considered one of the greatest left-arm pacers in cricket history, represented Pakistan in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs, collecting 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets. He was instrumental in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup triumph, ending the tournament as the top wicket-taker.
The moment echoes similar global trends: Australia frequently immortalizes its cricket legends in bronze, while India unveiled a statue of Sachin Tendulkar outside Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 2023.
In a sport where passions run high, Akram’s gracious and good-humoured response to a slightly off-kilter tribute stands as a reminder of the sportsmanship he long brought to the field.
