Wasim Akram opens up about the controversial Niaz Stadium statue.
Former legendary Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has finally opened up about the viral social media storm surrounding his statue outside Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad.
The statue, revealed earlier this year to pay tribute to the cricket great, only started drawing major attention this past week after a photo of it began circulating online.
Meant to depict Wasim Akram’s iconic bowling action in Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup jersey, the sculpture instead triggered a wave of memes and mockery due to its awkward facial features that many felt bore little resemblance to the man himself.
Fans across the internet poked fun at the statue, comparing it to everything from wax figures gone wrong to creative school projects. But rather than get upset, Wasim Akram decided to keep things light-hearted.
“Lots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is definitely better than the tiger,’ Wasim joked on social media, posting a side-by-side with another local statue that bears little resemblance to the animal it wants to depict.
He didn’t stop there. Wasim Akram made it clear that while the artwork might not win any awards for realism, he appreciated the sentiment behind it.
“It’s the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort and thanks to everyone involved,” he added.
The statue may not be perfect, but it stands as a tribute to one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen.
Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Wasim picked up 414 Test wickets and 502 in ODIs, still the highest by any Pakistani bowler.
While some fans wish the sculpture looked more like the real Wasim Akram, the man himself has reminded everyone what really matters: respect, recognition, and a bit of humour to go with it.
