Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram is regarded by many as the greatest left-arm fast bowler in cricket history and one of the finest exponents of reverse swing the game has ever seen. Born on 3 June 1966 in Lahore, he was discovered by Imran Khan and made his Test debut in 1985 at age 18.

Career

Wasim took 414 Test wickets and 502 ODI wickets — the first bowler to reach the 500-mark in ODIs — over a career spanning 18 years. His mastery of swing, both conventional and reverse, made him virtually unplayable in the 1990s. He was the key bowler in Pakistan's 1992 World Cup triumph, memorably dismissing both the openers in the final against England, and he captained Pakistan between 1993 and 1999.

His greatest individual spell — 7 wickets for 91 against New Zealand in 1993 — is still considered one of the best in Test history. He also led Pakistan in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups, and his career was marked by brilliance and occasional controversy, including his famous outburst during the 1999 World Cup final.

Beyond cricket

After retiring in 2002, Wasim became a leading commentator and analyst, a mentor to fast bowlers worldwide, and a global ambassador for cricket. He has worked with franchises in the IPL and PSL, coached emerging pace talent, and survived a heart attack in 2009 to become an advocate for heart health. He was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz and remains one of the most beloved figures in world cricket.