A recently unveiled statue of legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram at Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad has become the centre of online attention — but not for the reasons intended.
Meant to honour one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in history, the tribute instead drew criticism and humour for failing to resemble Akram. The statue, which shows him mid-bowling action, features a uniform with “Pakistan” written across the chest, yet the facial features have left fans scratching their heads.
Unveiled in April 2025, the sculpture only recently gained traction on social media. Within hours, users shared jokes and memes, with many questioning whether the artist had ever seen the cricketer. Some described it as “Temu Wasim Akram,” while others joked it looked like a child after being scolded.
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Despite the poor likeness, the intention was heartfelt — a tribute to the Sultan of Swing, whose legacy includes 502 ODI wickets, 414 in Tests, and a key role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory.
Critics have pointed out that this isn’t the first time Pakistan has faced backlash over statues of national icons. Many now suggest that future tributes should involve professional sculptors or approval from the individuals being honoured.
With the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planning renovations at Niaz Stadium, fans are calling for the statue to be removed or replaced. For now, the statue stands as a reminder that good intentions sometimes need better execution — especially when honouring cricket royalty.