The Hindu : All about an achiever

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

All about an achiever

PAARL Feb. 25. Some facts about Wasim Akram, who became the first bowler to take 500 wickets in one-day International cricket on Tuesday:

** Born in Lahore, Pakistan on June 3, 1966, Akram is the most capped limited overs bowler with 354 matches

** He has played for Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines, and Lancashire.

** One-day debut against New Zealand in Faisalabad in 1984-85.

** Captained three times and led Pakistan to 12 Test and 66 one-day International wins.

** In 1998 appeared before Justice Malik Qayyum accused of trying fix matches together with former captain Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmed.

** Banned for three months in 1999 — July to September — accused of match-fixing but was reinstated as the Justice Quyyum's report was delayed. Was exonerated of all charges in but fined for not co-operating with the one-man commission.

** His first run as captain ended in January 1994 when his best friend Waqar Younis led a nine-player rebellion following his high-handed handling of players. Replaced by Salim Malik.

** Married to wife Huma, a psychologist, with two boys, and is fondly referred to as ``Was'' by his teammates.

** Ended a successful and a lengthy career with English county side Lancashire by captaining them.

** Inspired Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by scoring 33 off 19 balls and taking 3-49 as Imran Khan's side won by 22 runs.

** Described by West Indies batting great Viv Richards as the most dangerous bowler he has ever faced.

** Most capped World Cup player with 36 appearances in his fifth tournament.

** Became the first bowler to take 50 wickets in World Cup cricket.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport