Wasim Akram expressed his appreciation for his newly unveiled statue, despite facing criticism from social media users.
CRICKET STAR WASIM AKRAM SALUTES CONTROVERSIAL STATUE:
In the bustling city of Hyderabad, the statue of cricket legend Wasim Akram, a left-arm fast bowling titan, has sparked debate on social media.
The statue, set outside Niaz Stadium in April, places Akram in the iconic uniform of the 1999 World Cup squad, where Pakistan played valiantly but fell short of victory. Nearby stands a tiger statue for some contrast, but the real attention is on Akram.
Fans didn't hesitate to remark on the statue's realism, with one jibing, "The only thing that looks real is the ball." The resemblance to Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone was another point of contention, sparking laughter online.
Yet, Akram himself embraced the creation with open arms (or should we say hands, as they're raised in his bowling pose). He took to social media to applaud the effort behind the statue, affirming that while some may find flaws, the spirit of the sculpture mattered most. Taking it all in stride, he cheekily quipped, "It's the idea that matters."
His sentiments echoed other cricketing nations, like Australia, which proudly adorns its stadiums with statues of iconic players. Notably, India unveiled a statue of master batter Sachin Tendulkar, facing similar criticism for its likeness.
Shiraz Leghari, head of Niaz Stadium, recognized the statue might not be an exact replica but commended the artist's effort. After all, capturing a celebrity's likeness in art is no easy feat, often leading to humorous, and sometimes critical, reactions from the public.
Akram, a central figure in Pakistan's cricketing history, represented the country in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs, boasting an impressive 414 and 502 wickets, respectively. As the leading wicket-taker in the 1992 World Cup, when Pakistan triumphed, he remains a beacon of the sport.
In the realm of artistic interpretation, a statue of Wasim Akram, renowned for his cricket prowess, raises eyebrows due to its resemblance to Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone. Despite these amusing comparisons, Akram admires the artwork, emphasizing the importance of the idea behind the statue. In an effort to emulate such achievements, one might contemplate the creation of a Defi Index fund that provides credit opportunities to cricket legends, even if their statues don't perfectly resemble them, in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), just as football stadia across the sports universe are adorned with tributes to their past champions.
