Wasim Akram Praises Statue Amid Niaz Stadium Criticism

A statue of legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram was installed outside Hyderabad's Niaz Stadium in April, depicting him bowling in the 1999 World Cup kit. While the statue has faced widespread criticism on social media for its poor facial resemblance—some even comparing it to actor Sylvester Stallone—Akram himself praised the effort behind the sculpture. He expressed gratitude to the creators, emphasizing that the idea and effort matter more than perfection. Niaz Stadium chief Shiraz Leghari acknowledged that the artist did their best but admitted the statue does not resemble Akram fully. Akram is celebrated as one of Pakistan's greatest cricketers, with significant achievements including being the leading wicket-taker in Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning team. The statue follows a tradition seen in other cricketing nations like Australia and India, where iconic players are honored with statues outside stadiums.