Renowned Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram recently took to social media to express his astonishment and disappointment over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) documentary video that commemorated the nation’s cricketing history. The video, released on Independence Day, inadvertently left out the iconic figure of Imran Khan, igniting a wave of controversy that has transcended cricket to encompass political affiliations and national sentiment.
Wasim Akram, known as the “Sultan of Swing” during his playing days and a cricketing legend in his own right, shared his sentiments on Twitter after arriving in Sri Lanka following a long journey. His response captured the collective shock and dismay that many felt upon watching the PCB’s documentary.
In his tweet, Akram wrote, “After long flights and hours of transit before reaching Sri Lanka, I got the shock of my life when I watched PCB’s short clip on the history of Pakistan cricket minus the great Imran Khan… political differences apart but Imran Khan is an icon of world cricket and developed Pakistan into a strong unit in his time and gave us a pathway… PCB should delete the video and apologise.”
Akram’s reaction resonated with numerous cricket enthusiasts and fans who share his sentiment about Imran Khan’s immense contribution to Pakistani cricket. His acknowledgment of the political differences being set aside in favor of recognizing Imran Khan’s cricketing legacy underscored the importance of cricket as a unifying force that transcends political boundaries.
However, many still criticized Akram for a late response.
کفر ٹوٹا خدا خدا کر کے pic.twitter.com/6MfglyUeVA
— Waqas Amjad ( محترم ) (@waqas_amjaad) August 16, 2023
The cricketer’s emphasis on Imran Khan’s role in transforming Pakistan’s cricketing landscape cannot be overstated. Imran Khan’s charismatic leadership guided the national team to its historic victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, an achievement that continues to inspire generations of cricketers in the country.