World Wasim Akram example essay topic

When it comes to speaking of great personalities everyone has his own opinion of whom they consider to be the best. But personally the person I admire the most is non other than the legendary left arm fast bowler of cricketing world Wasim Akram. Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1993 Wisden overview A dream cricketer. At his best Wasim Akram plays like most of us would wish to. He has complete mastery over swing and seam, and sometimes moves the ball both ways in one delivery. All this comes at high speed from a quick, ball-concealing action, and is backed up by the threat of a dangerous bouncer or deceptive slower delivery.

Wasim is rated by many as the best left-arm fast bowler of all time and his career record certainly bears that out - along with the high regard of his contemporaries. He hits like a kicking horse, but batsman ship is one skill in which Wasim has underachieved, despite a monumental 257 against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura in 1996-97. He was the natural successor to Imran Khan as Pakistan's leader and captain, but the match-fixing controversies of the 1990's harmed him, blunting his edge and dimming his lustre. Though he reached the 500-wicket landmark in ODIs in the World Cup, he was among the eight players dumped after Pakistan's miserable performance. Wasim Akram was showered with praise by former colleagues following his decision to end his 19-year international career, but Pakistan's selectors also came in for criticism over their handling of him. Former captain Imran Khan, who mentored Wasim as an 18-year-old, hailed him as one of last century's greatest fast bowlers.

"I reckon Wasim and West Indian Michael Holding are two of the best and most natural fast bowlers of the century", Imran told AFP. Taking Wasim under his wing in 1984, Imran nurtured him until he became one of international cricket's most productive fast bowlers. "Grooming Wasim was the easiest thing because he was naturally gifted. All I ingrained in him was the ability to take wickets", said Imran, adding that the retirement decision was "the right thing". But Imran accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of ending Wasim's career in an undignified manner. "I do think the PCB should not have dumped him in such an unceremonious manner".

Another former captain, Za heer Abbas, described Wasim as the "pride of Pakistani cricket". He continued: "Losing a player like Wasim is the most depressing thing. It will be hard to replace him". But A amer So hail, Pakistan's chief selector denied Wasim's decision was prompted by his expulsion.

"We did not close the doors on any senior player. Wasim could have staged a comeback", he said. "Wasim was a great servant of Pakistani cricket and I pay him the richest of tributes". Wasim Akram has responded positively to an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board for a farewell appearance in a one-day international against South Africa later this year. Wasim announced his retirement from international cricket last month". [Wasim] had given nothing to us in writing and we want to give him a grand sendoff from international cricket", explained Lt-Gen. Tauqir Zia, the chairman of the PCB.

Zia explained that the plan is for Wasim to be included in either the match at Lahore or Karachi: "It would be great to bid him farewell in front of his home crowd."It's a nice gesture on the part of PCB", said Wasim, who turned 37 on Tuesday. "It would be nice to end my career where I started. I wanted to retire by giving the World Cup to my countrymen, but we fared poorly and my dreams were shattered. "I am sure it would be just a one-off match, because I don't want to block a youngster's career", added Wasim, one of eight senior players omitted from Pakistan's squad after their first-round exit from the World Cup in March. But it was clear that his ambitions have not yet been entirely fulfilled.

"I have heard there are efforts to stage two one-day games between Pakistan and India in September this year. It would be a dream come true if I get one chance against India in Pakistan", he added in an apparent volte face. "I can't forget our defeat against India in the World Cup so if I get another chance I will definitely end that with a win". But the PCB still have their eye on Wasim's expertise.

"We want him to train Pakistani youngsters", said Zia. "It would not be in our interest that he coach and train in England.".