Cricket legend and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has urged fans to embrace appreciation over ridicule after a statue erected in his honour drew widespread mockery on social media.
The statue, placed outside the historic Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad, Sindh, depicts Wasim in his iconic bowling action, clad in Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup kit, with a roaring lion sculpted beside him — symbolising his fierce presence on the field.
Although the monument was quietly unveiled in April, it only gained public attention last week when a citizen shared photos and videos online. The reaction from netizens was swift — and mostly sarcastic.
One user quipped, “The only thing that looks real is the ball in his hand,” while another compared the statue to Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone. A particularly scathing comment dubbed it “10% cement, 90% disappointment.”
But Wasim, always known for his poise, responded with grace.
I’m thankful to the artist who put in the effort, to the stadium administration, and to the Mayor of Hyderabad for this honour. It’s a positive step. I admire the initiative.
He added a gentle rebuke to the online detractors: “Fans should learn to appreciate such efforts. It’s not always necessary to mock or make fun. Statues are a way to honour cricketers, and this gesture means a lot. I hope people see the intention behind it.”
This statue holds a unique distinction — it is the first ever dedicated to a cricketer at any stadium in Pakistan. Interestingly, Wasim played only two ODIs at the Niaz Stadium during his illustrious 356-match career: one in the 1987 World Cup and another in 1992 — both against Sri Lanka, with the legendary left-armer taking two wickets in each.
Stadium officials explained that the statue is part of a broader effort to revitalise the ground, which last hosted an international fixture in 2008.
The venue boasts a rich cricketing legacy — it was here that Pakistan’s Jalal-ud-Din claimed the first-ever ODI hat-trick in 1982, and where Javed Miandad and Mudassar Nazar set a then world-record 451-run partnership for the third wicket against India that same year. The stadium last hosted a Test match in 1984.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has now announced plans to bring the stadium under its control to facilitate the return of international cricket to Hyderabad — a move Wasim wholeheartedly supports.
“This ground has a special place in our cricket history. It would be fantastic for the people of Hyderabad to see international cricket return. It’s what the city deserves.
