Fans compare Wasim Akram’s statue to Sylvester Stallone, meme fest follows

A tribute meant to celebrate Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram in Hyderabad, Pakistan, has sparked a wave of memes online. A life-sized statue of the iconic left-arm pacer, recently unveiled outside the Niaz Stadium, became the subject of widespread mockery after an image of it was shared by a popular X (formerly Twitter) page.

The statue was made to immortalise Akram in his trademark bowling action wearing Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup kit. While the stance and general body structure were close to accurate, it was the facial features that triggered laughter.

Wasim Akram Statue Outside Niaz Stadium Hyderabad 🏟

🎨 Made with 10&#37 cement, 90&#37 disappointment 😂#wasimakram #statue #sindh pic.twitter.com/8i23LoV6Dr

— Ash (@AliRazaSha86) June 6, 2025

What was likely meant to convey fierce intensity instead appeared unusually melancholic. The statue’s hairstyle also drew criticism, as it made Akram look significantly older than he actually is. To add to the comedy, many users pointed out that the statue bore a closer resemblance to Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone than to Akram himself.

Wasim Akram’s statue at Hyderabad stadium@wasimakramlive fainted after watching this 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Yzfzt3I1W8

— Raza Hashmey (@papabureau87) June 5, 2025

Wasim Akram looking at this statue 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/xNL0rb80Tb

— Asad 🇵🇸 (@A_sadkermit) June 5, 2025

Wasim Akram as modelled by Sylvester Stallone

— AmerCric 🏏 ✍️ (@Amermalik12) June 5, 2025

Just fixed the statue of Wasim Akram pic.twitter.com/03ZMgpE1tb

— iffi (@iffiViews) June 5, 2025

Akram represented Pakistan with distinction from 1984 to 2003, featuring in 104 Test matches and 356 One Day Internationals. Akram amassed 414 wickets in Tests at an average of 23.62, and an extraordinary 502 wickets in ODIs at 23.52, becoming the first bowler in history to reach the 500-wicket mark in the format.

Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver game-changing spells, Akram was also a capable lower-order batsman. He scored over 6,000 runs in international cricket, with a career-best unbeaten 257 in Tests, a record for the highest score by a No. 8 batsman.

Akram played a central role in Pakistan’s historic 1992 World Cup victory under Imran Khan’s leadership and participated in four World Cups overall. His impact on world cricket, particularly in the art of fast bowling, has been widely acknowledged and celebrated.

After hanging up his boots, Akram transitioned into coaching and media roles. He notably served as the bowling coach for the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders from 2010 to 2016, contributing to their rise as a competitive side in the league.

This article first appeared on Mid Day