Ex-Pakistan captain on 1992 glory, teammate strife, and Lancashire life

For nearly two decades, Wasim Akram dismantled batting orders with a mastery that earned him a place among cricket’s finest left-arm seamers. Yet, it’s only now, nearly 20 years since he left the field, that the former Pakistan captain feels prepared to confront the more challenging chapters of his life.

At 56, Akram is set to release “Sultan”, a memoir co-written with Australian journalist Gideon Haigh. This book covers more than just his 900-plus international wickets, his 1992 World Cup triumph, and his esteemed position at Lancashire; it also delves into darker moments, including accusations of match-fixing, rumours of ball-tampering, a hidden struggle with cocaine addiction, and the tragic passing of his first wife, Huma.

Hidden Struggles

Reflecting on these personal revelations, Akram admits revisiting these times was painful but necessary, adding that writing the book was not motivated by money. On the day we spoke, Pakistan had suffered an unexpected defeat to Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup, and just a week later, his former captain and mentor, Imran Khan, would be injured in a protest incident. “I probably wanted to forget those moments,” he says. He confides that his family, including his two sons and young daughter, encouraged him to share his story. His current wife, Shaniera, also wanted clarity, given the persistent rumours circulating about his past.

Despite his iconic status, rumours of match-fixing continue to haunt Akram in Pakistan. He speaks candidly about the Qayyum report from the late 1990s, a judicial inquiry into match-fixing within the national team. Although Akram was ultimately cleared, the report concluded he was “not above board,” suggesting close scrutiny of his actions. Allegations against him included attempts to fix a game in New Zealand in 1994, suspected manipulation in the 1996 World Cup, and questionable interactions with bookmakers. However, most accusations faded away, with key witnesses recanting or evidence proving flimsy.

Akram does acknowledge one misstep, which was remaining unaware that a long-time friend, Zafar Iqbal, was involved in gambling. But, he points out, this was a period of widespread naivety in cricket, with figures like Hansie Cronje and Mohammad Azharuddin facing similar controversies. Reflecting on the period, he says he blocked out much of the trauma, choosing not to read the Qayyum report until working on the book. When questioned about former teammates who implicated him, Akram suggests strained relationships may have motivated their claims. “I wasn’t on friendly terms with some of them,” he explains. With the leadership of Imran Khan and Javed Miandad gone, the dressing room atmosphere soured, leading to a time filled with distrust.

Team Turmoil

While Akram refrains from directing accusations at others, he describes Malik, whom Imran Khan called “the Rat,” as shifty and untrustworthy. Still, he insists he has moved on, adopting his father’s wisdom to forgive and avoid grudges, acknowledging that life is too short for enmity.

Another complex relationship in Akram’s career was with Waqar Younis. Together, they formed one of cricket’s most formidable fast-bowling pairs. Yet, in “Sultan”, Akram revisits a period when Waqar and others allegedly took an oath never to play under his leadership again. Reflecting on Pakistan cricket’s turbulent nature, he describes the difficulty of leading a team in constant turmoil, where each vice-captain often had a circle of supporters vying for the captaincy.

When asked about his bond with Waqar, Akram likens it to a sibling rivalry—competitive but not bitter. They recently worked together as commentators, and Akram shared that his book recounts events from his perspective alone, which Waqar accepted without objection.

Akram’s career pinnacle remains his performance in the 1992 World Cup final, which he believes revolutionised cricket in Pakistan. He also holds fond memories of his decade with Lancashire, where he felt warmly accepted, contrary to any notions of racism. His captain and teammates welcomed him, making his time in England enjoyable and memorable.

Life Beyond Cricket

Post-retirement, Akram grappled with life beyond cricket, battling a cocaine addiction that emerged as he sought purpose beyond the pitch. He recalls that period as one of his darkest, impacting his late wife, Huma, profoundly. He eventually overcame this addiction, but his recovery was closely followed by Huma’s sudden passing from a rare infection, a loss that profoundly shaped his life.

Today, Akram finds peace in the achievements of his children and the love of Shaniera, his Australian-born wife, whom he met in 2007. As he prepares for England’s Test series in Pakistan, Akram is excited about the attacking style brought by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, though he doubts if Pakistan could adapt to that approach so readily.

As the celebrated “Sultan of Swing,” Akram has spent his life under the spotlight. Now, through his memoir, he reveals a side of himself that goes beyond cricket, painting a picture of resilience, redemption, and wisdom acquired through experience.