WEB DESK: A newly installed statue of cricket legend Wasim Akram outside Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium has become the subject of widespread amusement and memes on social media.
The sculpture, meant to celebrate the “Sultan of Swing,” has drawn criticism from fans for its noticeably unrealistic resemblance to the former Pakistani fast bowler.
The statue depicts Wasim Akram in his signature left-arm bowling pose, donning the Pakistan cricket team jersey from the 1999 World Cup. Although officially unveiled in April 2025, a photo of the statue only surfaced online recently, igniting a flurry of reactions and jokes.
Cricket enthusiasts have expressed their dismay at the craftsmanship, with many commenting that the statue does not do justice to Akram’s legendary stature. Some users likened it to poorly crafted wax figures or amateur art, while others humorously suggested it resembles a rough sketch rather than a sculpture.
One popular meme compared the statue to Wasim Akram in his early days, humorously claiming it looks like he’s struggling to break into the national team.
Another quip dubbed it the “Temu version” of the cricketer, referencing low-cost, mass-produced figurines.
A tongue-in-cheek comment advised Akram himself to “get it updated,” pointing out the apparent lack of detail and finesse in the sculpture’s features.
Wasim Akram, who played for Pakistan from 1984 to 2003, is celebrated as one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, with a career tally of 414 Test wickets and 502 ODIs. His influence on the game remains profound, making the statue’s poor execution a disappointment to many fans and admirers.
