Wasim Akram is widely regarded as the greatest left‑arm fast bowler in cricket history. He was nicknamed the “Sultan of Swing”; he revolutionized fast bowling with his mastery of conventional and reverse swing. Wasim bowled the fastest delivery of 150 km/h in Rawalpindi in 1994. It was also mentioned as the fastest spell of his career by Steve Waugh. His second fastest spell was against South Africa (East London) in 1993. He took 5 wickets for 16 runs in this match-winning spell. But his average speed was in the 135-145 km/h range. He was considered the greatest young fast bowler in the 1980s and 1990s. He was part of their 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup victory.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Wasim Akram HI
- Born: 3 June 1966, Lahore, Pakistan
- Age: 59 years (as of 2026)
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Left‑arm fast
- Role: Bowling all‑rounder
- Nicknames: Sultan of Swing
- Relations: Huma Akram (late wife), Shaniera Akram (wife since 2013)
- Domestic/Franchise Teams: Pakistan Automobiles Corporation, Lahore, Lancashire, Pakistan International Airlines, Hampshire
Wasim Akram Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | 100s/50s | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowl Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 104 | 2,898 | 22.6 | 3/7 | 257* | 414 | 7/119 | 23.6 |
| ODIs | 356 | 3,717 | 16.5 | 0/6 | 86 | 502 | 5/15 | 23.5 |
| First‑Class | 257 | 7,161 | 22.7 | 7/24 | 257* | 1,000+ | 8/– | – |
| List A | 594 | 6,993 | 18.9 | 0/17 | 89* | 800+ | 6/– | – |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: ODI debut vs New Zealand (Nov 1984); Test debut vs New Zealand (Jan 1985).
- World Cup Heroics: Key figure in Pakistan’s 1992 ICC World Cup victory, taking 18 wickets and winning Man of the Match in the final.
- Reverse Swing Mastery: Perfected the art of moving the ball both ways at high pace.
- Records: Over 900 international wickets across formats.
- Captaincy: Led Pakistan in Tests and ODIs during the late 1990s.
- Accolades: Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame (2009).
Style of Play
- Bowling: Deadly with both new and old ball, combining pace, swing, and guile.
- Batting: Aggressive lower‑order hitter, famously scored 257* in Tests.
- Temperament: Fierce competitor, admired for his cricketing intelligence.
Net Worth & Legacy
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): $20–25 million USD (from cricket, commentary, coaching, endorsements).
- Post‑Career Roles: Coach, commentator, mentor, philanthropist.
- Legacy: Revered as the greatest left‑arm fast bowler, inspiring generations worldwide.
Conclusion
Wasim Akram’s career is a blend of artistry and dominance. His ability to swing the ball at pace redefined fast bowling, while his leadership and charisma made him a global cricketing icon. The “Sultan of Swing” remains a legend whose influence extends far beyond the cricket field.
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