**Wasim ranks as one of the game’s all-time greats **
Pakistan are dedicating the final game of their one-day series against South Africa to former captain Wasim Akram.
He took a record 502 wickets in one-day matches and 414 in Tests during an international career which came to an end at the World Cup earlier this year.
“I have enjoyed every bit of my cricketing life,” said Akram, who made his Pakistan debut in 1984.
“This benefit match will provide me with a chance to say farewell to the people of Pakistan.”
Wasim was among eight senior players dropped from the national side after Pakistan’s early exit from the World Cup.
He subsequently agreed a contract to play for English county side Hampshire but returned home early beacuse of ill health.
“It was unfortunate that I had to announce my retirement abroad,” he said.
"I will definitely come to the ground [in Rawalpindi] for a final cheer of the home fans.
“It will be nice to see the young team and I am happy that they are winning.”
Wasim also scored more than 6,500 runs for Pakistan but his career was tarnished when he was one of a group of players fined for failing to co-operate with the 1999 Qayyum inquiry into alleged match-fixing.
Despite that, a spokesman for the one-day series sponsors said: “His farewell is a debt that we, as a nation, owe to him.”
This is probably quite a grand jesture though let’s be fair the Pakistan team do owe it to Wasim Akram after all he’s done for Pakistan - Anyhow it will be one final chance for the team and the fans to say goodbye - and it will be quite a competitive match too.
Greatest Bowler Ever.Though I hated him when he took Indian wickets but always admired him.And belive me its hard to get admiration for any paki from me ;)
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*Originally posted by fair_&_balance: *
Greatest Bowler Ever.Though I hated him when he took Indian wickets but always admired him.And belive me its hard to get admiration for any paki from me ;)
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Wasim will be palying a charity match on wednesday 15th October…
The match will be player at Gaddaf Stadium Lahore..
and it will be between Pakistan Eleven and World Eleven…
World Eleven Comprise of many great names , including JaySuriya,Walsh and Dean Jones,Robin Singh, Prasad…
The earnings of this match will go to ZINDAGI trust of famous Singer ShahZad Roy…
the good news is that, this match will be boradcasted live on GEO Tv…
Just want to make one correction. It wasn't Pakistan that honoured Wasim Akram, It was his sponsor for fifteen years Pepsi that honored him. So get your facts right. Pakistan cricket board has no interest in honouring anyone. :p
ehsan thanks for these pictures so much.....it brought back so many memories...;.i guess most of u know by now how much i luv both WS...........after seeing all these pictures, it just reminded me those golden days when wasim used to start running for final 1o overs and i knew there cud be a wicket on every damn balllll./... and this son of the gun never ever disappointed us....i luv wasim.... especially his celebration after taking the wicket.... even in his last matches when he trashed holland team in WC 2003, he was celebrating with same passion...it used to be the most beautiful moment to see wasim running towards keeper with full scream and hands up with joy....where we gonna find another wasim.......................but inshallah we will find one more from paki streets... he is out some where.....
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*Originally posted by fantastic1: *
Just want to make one correction. It wasn't Pakistan that honoured Wasim Akram, It was his sponsor for fifteen years Pepsi that honored him. So get your facts right. Pakistan cricket board has no interest in honouring anyone. :p
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[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by fantastic1: *
Just want to make one correction. It wasn't Pakistan that honoured Wasim Akram, It was his sponsor for fifteen years Pepsi that honored him. So get your facts right. Pakistan cricket board has no interest in honouring anyone. :p
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