ISLAMABAD: One of Pakistan’s most celebrated sports icons, Wasim Akram, turned 59 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Born in 1966 into an upper-middle-class family in Lahore, Akram’s journey from a cricket-loving child to one of the most revered fast bowlers in history remains a source of pride for fans across the world.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Wasim Akram’s father was a successful businessman, and he attended the Cathedral School before moving in with his grandparents at the age of ten.
His grandfather, a cricket enthusiast, introduced him to the sport, nurturing a passion that would later become his life’s defining pursuit. He studied at Islamia College in Lahore, where his talent in local club cricket began attracting serious attention.
His meteoric rise started in the 1984–85 season when, still a teenager, he made his first-class, ODI, and Test debuts within just three months.
Despite facing occasional injuries and the instability that often affects sports in Pakistan, Akram became a cornerstone of the national team. He also served as captain during key periods before officially retiring in 2003.
A Cricketer for the Ages
Wasim Akram is widely considered the greatest left-arm fast bowler in cricket history. His control, swing, and game awareness revolutionized the art of fast bowling.
He played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s iconic win at the 1992 Cricket World Cup, leaving an indelible mark on international cricket.
Apart from his bowling mastery, Akram was an impressive all-rounder, capable of changing games with both bat and ball. His career has inspired generations, and his influence still resonates through Pakistan’s cricketing culture today.
As fans across the globe celebrate his birthday, Akram’s contributions to the sport remind us why he remains a legend not just in Pakistan, but in the world of cricket.
