Key points
- Wasim Akram’s bowling statue faces backlash after viral photo circulates
- He praises creators, emphasises importance of statue’s idea
- Statue faces criticism for poor likeness to legendary cricketer
- Mine is definitely better than the tiger’s: Wasim Akram
ISLAMABAD: Former captain Wasim Akram addressed the statue erected outside Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium on Thursday, responding to the criticism it received from fans and praising the effort and concept behind its creation.
The statue, which depicts the left-arm paceman in his signature bowling action wearing Pakistan’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1999 jersey, faced scrutiny after a photo went viral on social media.
The public mocked the sculptor, inundating the internet with memes. The main criticism focused on the statue’s face, which bears little resemblance to the legendary cricketer.
Although unveiled in April 2025, the statue only attracted widespread attention recently when images began circulating online, triggering an outcry over the portrayal of the World Cup-winning player.
Wasim Akram’s response
Wasim responded to the situation on social media with humour, posting a picture of his statue alongside a similarly styled lion statue and commenting wittily.
“Lots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is definitely better than the tiger,” he said.
He also praised those involved in creating the statue, stating: “It’s the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort, and thanks to everyone involved.”
For those unaware, Wasim represented Pakistan from 1984 to 2003, taking a record 414 Test wickets and 502 wickets in ODIs. He is considered one of Pakistan’s finest bowlers.
He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s only 50-over World Cup triumph in 1992, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets in 10 innings at an impressive average of 18.77.
He later led the national team to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1999 final, where they endured a hard-fought defeat to eventual champions Australia.
