Akram praises his statue amid social media flak

Credit to the creators and full marks for effort, says former captain

KARACHI:

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram saluted on Thursday the "effort" of the artist who created a statue of him that has spawned scorn on social media.

The statue of Akram — one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers to play the game — was installed outside the southwestern city of Hyderabad's Niaz Stadium in April.

Akram is shown bowling wearing the kit of the 1999 World Cup team, when Pakistan were runners-up.

Nearby is a statue of a tiger.

One fan mocked the statue, saying: "The only thing that looks real is the ball," adding the face looked more like Hollywood hero Sylvester Stallone.

The affable Akram, however, took to social media to praise the effort.

"Lots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is definitely better than the tiger," he posted on X.

"It's the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort and thanks to everyone involved."

Australia has a history of placing statues of their iconic players outside their stadiums, while India unveiled one of master batter Sachin Tendulkar outside a stadium in Mumbai in 2023.

Niaz stadium chief Shiraz Leghari told AFP: "The artist did his best effort, but accepts it doesn't resemble (Akram) a hundred percent."

Akram is one of the country's most celebrated cricketers, having represented Pakistan in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs with 414 and 502 wickets respectively.

He was the leading wicket-taker in the 1992 World Cup when Pakistan claimed the trophy.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to lead Bangladesh in ODIs

Bangladesh on Thursday named Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new captain of the ODI team, with the 27-year-old all-rounder succeeding Najmul Hossain Shanto in white ball cricket.

Off-spinner Miraz will take up his post during Bangladesh's three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, which begins in July, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said.

"Captaining the national team is a dream come true... this is a proud moment for me and my family," he said, according to a statement quoted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"I believe in this group — we have the skills and the mindset to play fearless cricket."

Miraz, who has been skipper before for four ODIs as a stand in for Shanto, is ranked fourth in the world for ODI all-rounders, according to ICC rankings.

Bangladesh will also play two Tests in Sri Lanka, with the first beginning in Galle on June 17 and the second in Colombo from June 25.

Miraz will be the vice-captain for the Tests — with Shanto leading the team — as the next World Test Championship cycle begins.

Pak pacer Khurram Shahzad to play for Worcestshire

Pakistan's budding fast bowler Khurram Shahzad is set to join Worcestershire County Cricket Club in July for the remainder of the county season. The right-arm pacer will be available to play in all three formats for the Pears till the end of this season.

Hailing from district Mandi Bahuddin of Punjab, 25-year-old Khurram is often compared to South African great Dale Steyn because of similarities in bowling action and his ability to swing the ball - he made his Test debut in 2023 and so far has claimed 20 wickets in six Tests, including career-best figures of 6 for 90 against Bangladesh.

Reportedly, the former captain of Pakistan Azhar Ali played a pivotal role in the signing. Azhar Ali himself played for Worcestershire CCC in the 2022 & 2023 seasons where he briefly was part of the coaching staff too and has been instrumental in helping the club to sign cricketers from Pakistan. Previously, Pakistani leg spinner Usama Mir was also signed by Worcestershire CCC on Azhar's recommendations.

In a statement released by the club, head Coach Alan Richardson welcomed the signing, praising Shahzad's skill and international experience.

"Khurram is a fantastic signing for us," said Richardson. "His ability to swing the ball and bowl consistently above 80mph adds depth to our bowling attack. Just as importantly, his presence will be invaluable for the development of our younger bowlers."