Wasim Akram: The Sultan of Swing Who Made Fast Bowling an Art

Only a few left-arm bowlers have ruled world cricket for as long and as fearlessly as Wasim Akram. With the new ball or the old, under cloudy skies or scorching sun, he made the cricket ball talk — swinging, seaming, and slicing through the best batting line-ups with effortless grace.

Known as the “Sultan of Swing”, Akram wasn’t just a bowler — he was an artist who painted every spell with precision and imagination. From his early days in Lahore to leading Pakistan on the grandest stages, he mastered the craft of swing bowling and left behind a legacy that still inspires every young fast bowler who dreams big.

Early Life and Rise

• Wasim Akram grew up with a natural flair for cricket, perfecting his skills in the streets of Lahore with a tape ball, long before stepping into any academy or professional setup.
• Contrary to popular belief, it was Javed Miandad, not Imran Khan, who first spotted the young Akram during a trial at Gaddafi Stadium. Impressed by his natural swing, Miandad along with Hasib Ahsan quickly pushed him into the national team.
• At just 18 years old, Akram made his first-class debut for BCCP Patrons XI against the touring New Zealand side in 1984 and stunned everyone by taking nine wickets in the match, an early sign of the magic to come.
• His rise was so rapid that only days later, he was handed his ODI debut against New Zealand, and soon after, his Test debut, where he proved that his swing and control could trouble even seasoned international batsmen.
• Before that first overseas tour, the young Akram reportedly asked Miandad how much money he should bring along — unaware that he would actually be paid to play for Pakistan, a humble yet charming glimpse into how innocent and grounded his early cricketing journey was.

Breakthrough Years (1985–1991)

• After his impressive Test debut in 1985, Wasim Akram stunned the cricketing world in only his second Test, taking 10 wickets against New Zealand — an extraordinary performance that marked him as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling star.
• That same year, he showed his white-ball brilliance by claiming his first ODI five-wicket haul against Australia in the Benson & Hedges World Championship, proving his skill across formats.
• Under the guidance of Imran Khan, Akram sharpened his craft — mastering reverse swing, improving control, and developing the mental toughness that would make him one of the most feared bowlers of his generation.
• Between 1989 and 1990, he delivered back-to-back ODI hat-tricks — first against the West Indies and then Australia — showcasing his rare ability to dismantle batting orders in a matter of deliveries.
• By the end of 1991, Akram had taken 143 wickets in 39 Test matches, establishing himself as the spearhead of Pakistan’s attack and one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in world cricket.

The 1992 World Cup Glory

• The 1992 Cricket World Cup became the defining stage of Wasim Akram’s career, where his brilliance with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s first-ever World Cup triumph under Imran Khan’s leadership.
• Throughout the tournament, Akram delivered under immense pressure, taking crucial wickets with his swing and pace, and finishing with 18 wickets in 10 matches, among the highest wicket-takersof the tournament.
• In the final against England at the MCG, Akram first swung the momentum with a quickfire 33 off just 19 balls, rescuing Pakistan from a tricky position, and then produced two magical deliveries to Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis, sealing the contest with figures of 3 for 49 and earning the Man of the Match award.
• That night in Melbourne not only crowned Pakistan world champions but also established Wasim Akram as a global cricketing icon — the undisputed Sultan of Swing.

Peak Years and Captaincy (1993–1999)

• The mid to late 1990s marked the peak of Wasim Akram’s career, as he led Pakistan’s attack with deadly swing and precision alongside Waqar Younis, forming the legendary “Two Ws” who dominated batting line-ups worldwide.
• Not only with the ball — in 1996, batting at number eight, Akram smashed an unbeaten 257 against Zimbabwe, the highest ever by a number-eight batsman, including 12 sixes, a record for a single Test innings.
• In 1999, Akram achieved a rare feat by taking two Test hat-tricks in consecutive matches against Sri Lanka during the Asian Test Championship — the first in Lahore and the second in the Dhaka final — earning the Player of the Series award with 15 wickets.
• Akram first became Pakistan’s captain in 1993, but was soon removed after internal conflicts. He later led the team in the 1996 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals, and again in the 1999 World Cup, where Pakistan finished as runners-up, with major wins like the Asian Test Championship and several ODI series — a tenure marked by both success and controversy.
• During this period, Akram battled multiple injuries and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1997 at the age of 30 — a shocking setback that struck at the peak of his career despite his top fitness and no family history of the disease.

Final Years (2000–2003)

• Despite battling injuries and diabetes, Wasim Akram continued to perform at the highest level in the early 2000s, using experience and skill to outsmart batsmen rather than relying solely on pace.
• He became the first bowler in ODI history to take 400 wickets, reaching the milestone against Australia in Sydney in January 2000, and later went on to become the first bowler to reach 500 ODI wickets during the 2003 World Cup, cementing his place among cricket’s all-time greats.
• Following Pakistan’s exit from the 2003 World Cup, Akram announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2003, bringing an end to a glorious 19-year career.

Post-Retirement and Mentorship

• After retirement, Wasim Akram briefly played county cricket in England for Hampshire, where his experience and tactical awareness made a strong impact in the domestic circuit.
• He later transitioned into coaching and commentary, earning global respect as a mentor and analyst, and has served as a bowling coach for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans in the PSL, shaping the careers of many young fast bowlers.
• Beyond cricket, Akram became a strong advocate for diabetes awareness, using his platform to inspire others to manage health challenges with discipline and determination.

Career Stats

Career Highlights

Legacy

Wasim Akram’s legacy goes far beyond numbers and records. He redefined fast bowling with skill, intelligence, and artistry, showing the world that swing could be as deadly as speed. From his battles on the field to his mentorship off it, Akram inspired generations of cricketers and became a symbol of excellence, resilience, and pride for Pakistan cricket.