Cricket fans on social media had a field day this week, but it wasnโt about a match or a fiery spellโit was about a statue. Yes, a statue of legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram, placed outside Hyderabadโs iconic Niaz Stadium, went viral for all the wrong reasons.
While the intention was to honour a national hero, the execution left fans confusedโand well, amused.
The Statue that Sparked a Meme Storm
The statue, meant to immortalise Wasim Akram in his classic left-arm bowling action wearing the 1999 World Cup jersey, caught fire onlineโbut not in the way the creators had hoped.
The biggest gripe? The face didnโt resemble Wasim Akramโnot even remotely. Social media users didnโt hold back, comparing the sculpture to everything from wax museum fails to horror movie characters.
Memes flooded the timelines, and once again, the internet did what it does best: turn a tribute into trending content.
Wasimโs Response?
While many in his place mightโve been offended, Wasim Akram showed exactly why heโs a legendโon and off the field.
Taking to social media, the Sultan of Swing posted a side-by-side picture of his statue and a meme-worthy tiger sculpture, cheekily writing:
โLots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is definitely better than the tiger.โ
And just like that, Wasim turned the laughter with him instead of at him.
โFull Marks for the Effortโ
Rather than ridiculing the sculptor or the authorities behind the tribute, Wasim chose empathy and appreciation. He acknowledged the gesture and appreciated the intention behind the statue.
โItโs the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort and thanks to everyone involved,โ he added.
Itโs this humility and grace that continue to make Wasim one of the most respected figures in Pakistan cricket, even long after his retirement.
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