Wasim Akram, a former Pakistani cricketer, coach, and commentator, is widely recognized as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in the history of cricket.
Known for his ability to swing the ball at high speeds and his skillful bowling in limited-overs formats, Akram played an instrumental role in Pakistan’s cricket success from the mid-1980s through the 1990s.
Here we have Wasim Akram’s net worth, earnings, career, achievements, personal life, and more.
Wasim Akram’s Biography
| Full Name | Wasim Akram |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm fast |
| Role | Bowler, Commentator, Coach |
Wasim Akram was born on June 3, 1966, in Lahore, Pakistan. Akram’s cricketing talent was evident from an early age, and he was soon fast-tracked into Pakistan’s national team.
His debut at the young age of 18 set him on a career that would define Pakistani fast bowling for years to come. Off the field, Akram has contributed significantly as a coach and a popular cricket commentator, sharing his insights and expertise on the game.
Career
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Wasim Akram’s career began in the mid-1980s when he made an impression on selectors with his ability to bowl at high speed with a natural swing. He made his ODI debut in 1984 against New Zealand and then his Test debut shortly afterward.
Akram’s standout performance came in the 1987 Cricket World Cup, where he took crucial wickets and showcased his skill on the international stage.
1992 World Cup Heroics
The 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand cemented Wasim Akram’s legacy. His performance in the final against England remains one of the most memorable in World Cup history.
Akram took three critical wickets, including two in successive deliveries, which drastically turned the game in Pakistan’s favor. His lethal inswinging deliveries to dismiss Ian Botham, Allan Lamb, and Chris Lewis. He earned the “Player of the Match” award and instant fame.
Mid-Career and Consistent Excellence
Throughout the 1990s, Akram continued to be Pakistan’s go-to bowler across all formats. His ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers, sharp bouncers, and deceptive slower balls made him equally effective in both Test and ODI cricket.
His partnership with Waqar Younis during this period is often hailed as one of the most fearsome bowling duos in cricket history, known for their aggression and skill in reverse swing, especially in the latter stages of innings.
Notable Test Performance
One of his most celebrated performances came against the West Indies in 1990, where he took 11 wickets for 110 runs in a single Test, proving his prowess on diverse pitch conditions.
Akram achieved two hat-tricks in Test cricket, against Sri Lanka in 1999, a rare accomplishment that underscored his ability to break through the defenses of even the best batsmen.
Reverse Swing Pioneer
Akram is credited with popularizing and perfecting the art of reverse swing bowling, which has since become a crucial technique for fast bowlers worldwide. His innovative use of this technique set the standard for subsequent generations.
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Coaching and Mentorship Roles
Following his retirement in 2003, Akram continued to contribute to cricket as a coach and commentator. His expertise, particularly in fast bowling and reverse swing, has made him an invaluable mentor for young bowlers in Pakistan and around the world.
His role in PSL, where he continues to coach emerging fast bowlers, has been instrumental in shaping the future of Pakistan’s cricketing talent.
Records and Achievements
- Most Wickets in ODIs by a Left-Arm Bowler: 502 wickets.
- Test Hat-Tricks: Achieved two Test hat-tricks, a rare feat in international cricket.
- Fastest Bowler to 400 Wickets in ODIs: Akram was the first bowler to achieve this milestone.
- 1992 World Cup Hero: Played a key role in Pakistan’s historic World Cup win with a memorable performance in the final.
- Highest Score by a No. 8 Batsman in Test Cricket: 257 not out, showcasing his ability as an all-rounder.
Wasim Akram’s Wife and Relationships
Wasim Akram married Huma Mufti in 1995, and the couple had two sons, Tahmoor and Akbar, during their 14-year marriage. Sadly, Huma passed away on 25 October 2009 due to multiple organ failure at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India.
For a period, Akram was linked by Indian media to actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen.
On 7 July 2013, it was announced that Akram had become engaged to Australian Shaniera Thompson, whom he met during a visit to Melbourne in 2011. They married on 12 August 2013 in Lahore, with Akram describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for himself, his wife, and his children.
The family later relocated from Lahore to Karachi. On 3 September 2014, the couple shared that they were expecting their first child together, Akram’s third. Their daughter, Aiyla Sabeen Rose Akram, was born on 27 December 2014 in Melbourne.
Wasim Akram’s Net Worth Details
Wasim Akram’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million as of 2025. His career earnings include match fees, prize money from World Cup and tournament victories, and his later earnings as a commentator and coach.
He also earns a significant income from endorsements with well-known brands, contributing to his overall wealth.
Salary
During his international career, Wasim Akram earned a salary based on match fees, bonuses, and central contracts offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
As a retired player, his income now largely comes from his role as a cricket analyst and commentator, coaching roles, and endorsements.
| Year | Estimated Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| 1990s (Peak) | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Post-Retirement | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| PSL Coaching | $100,000 – $200,000 per season |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth (in USD) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $20 million |
| 2021 | $21 million |
| 2022 | $23 million |
| 2023 | $24 million |
| 2024 | $25 million |
Endorsements
Wasim Akram has endorsed several brands, including Pepsi, LG, Nestle, and Pakistan’s telecommunications company Jazz. These endorsements have helped him maintain a high public profile and have contributed significantly to his earnings.
Stats
Here’s a table for the career bowling stats of a left-arm fast bowler:
| Format | M | Inn | B | Mdn | Runs | W | BB | Econ | Avg | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 104 | 181 | 22627 | 871 | 9779 | 414 | 7/119 | 2.59 | 23.6 | 54.6 | 20 | 25 |
| ODI | 356 | 351 | 18186 | 238 | 11812 | 502 | 5/15 | 3.89 | 23.5 | 36.2 | 17 | 6 |
FAQs
1. Who is Wasim Akram?
Wasim Akram is a former Pakistani cricketer, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. Known as the “Sultan of Swing,” he played 104 Test matches and 356 ODIs, taking 414 and 502 wickets respectively.
2. What are Wasim Akram’s major achievements in cricket?
He was the first bowler to take 500 ODI wickets, holds the record for most wickets in List A cricket (881), and achieved four international hat-tricks. He was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009.
3. What is Wasim Akram’s highest score in Test cricket?
His highest Test score is an unbeaten 257 against Zimbabwe in 1996, which remains the highest score by a number-8 batsman in Test history.
4. What is Wasim Akram’s contribution to reverse swing bowling?
Wasim Akram is considered one of the pioneers and finest exponents of reverse swing bowling, a skill that made him lethal during his career.
5. Did Wasim Akram face any controversies during his career?
Yes, he faced allegations of match-fixing during the 1990s but was cleared by the Justice Qayyum report, though it noted he “cannot be said to be above suspicion.”
6. What roles has Wasim Akram taken on after retiring from cricket?
Post-retirement, he has worked as a cricket commentator, coach for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Karachi Kings, and served as Vice President of the Kashmir Premier League.
7. How many World Cups did Wasim Akram play in?
Wasim Akram played in five Cricket World Cups (1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, and 2003) and was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory in the 1992 tournament.
8. Who are Wasim Akram’s family members?
He was married to Huma Mufti until her death in 2009. He later married Shaniera Thompson in 2013. He has three children: two sons from his first marriage (Tahmoor and Akbar) and a daughter (Aiyla) with Shaniera.
9. What awards has Wasim Akram received?
He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1993 and received Pakistan’s Hilal-e-Imtiaz award in 2019 for his contributions to cricket.
10. Has Wasim Akram written an autobiography?
Yes, his autobiography “Sultan: A Memoir” was published in 2022, detailing his cricketing career, personal life, and struggles with controversies and health issues.
