Wasim Akram, popularly known as the Sultan of Swing, is a former Pakistan cricket team captain. Born on June 3, 1966, he is regarded as one of the best bowlers to have graced the sport. Today, on his birthday we would like to share five glorious moments of his life that his fans would love to rejoice.
King Of Hat-tricks
Akram has four hat-tricks at the highest level, two in Tests and two in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). His ODI hat-tricks came in 1989 and 1990, both at Sharjah. In 1999, he took two hat-tricks in back-to-back Tests against Sri Lanka and helped Pakistan win the Asian Test Championship.
First Man To Take 500 ODI Wickets
In 2003, Akram became the first man to take 500 ODI wickets. This record was later broken by Sri Lankan spin bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan.
Most Successful Left Arm Bowler
He is ranked amongst the most successful left arm bowlers of all time.
Won 17 Man of the Match Awards In 104 Tests
He has won 17 Man of the Match awards in Test cricket which is the joint-third highest number of awards.
First bowler to take 400 wickets in ODIs and Tests
He is the first bowler in international cricket to take more than 400 wickets in both ODI and Tests.
The cricketer-turned commentator has represented Pakistan beyond his bowling and batting abilities by having taken up commentary as well and these are not the only achievements he bagged.
Former Pakistani speedster also got lucky in love when he tied the knot with Shaniera Thompson, who now is known as Shaniera Akram, on August 12, 2013.
“Happy birthday to the love of my life. A man that proves age just really is a number”, Shaniera wrote on social media.
She then took to her Instagram to write a lovely birthday love note to her husband, who is celebrating 55 years of success and health, along with an adorable photo of the two.
The social media activist said: “Heroes come and go but legends are forever! You truly are an inspiration to not only our little family but to the world. You prove that age is only a number and that it’s possible to keep getting better with time. I feel you are younger than when we first met but wiser than ever before, and they are the ingredients to life we all strive for!”
“I’m so proud of the person you were before we met and the man you have since become. A true trailblazer, a stand-alone asset to this world and a truly remarkable man in and out of the public eye. You make me want to be a better human and teach me that the real meaning of happiness is by living in the moment and making every bit of those moments count. I know we are not together today for your birthday but you have made it seem as though we have never even been apart for a minute,” added Shaniera.
Extending further prayers to Akram, the Shaniera added: “I wish you a long life, a happy one, and the more we keep laughing the faster the time will go till we are back in each other’s arms. You’re are and always will be the best thing that has happened to me. I love you now and for always.”
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), his contemporaries and juniors have wished the former cricketer on his birthday. Here are a few wishes from the social media:
