Why do Indian fans love Wasim Akram so much more than other Pakistani greats?

[Statsman]

I think the most popular foreign cricketers in India are (as far as I know): in no particular order

1. AB
2. Gilchrist
3. Afridi
4. Wasim
5. Steve Waugh
6. KP
7. Chris Gayle.

Afridi? Seriously?

Surely not more than Lara, Brett Lee, Murali, etc.

 

[ShoonyaSifar]

Wasim's popularity went up after he started doing commentary for Star Sports. Remember the Shaz and Waz show on Star during our 2003-04 tour to Aus. It was a huge hit.

And from then on, Wasim Bhai has kept going to greater stardom among Indian fans. Fans respect him for his frank views on commentary. He's someone fans can easily relate to as during his commentary he doesn't try to come across as an 'elite'. IPL coaching stint and regular appearances on talk shows with his family has only helped him gain more fans.

 

[JaDed]

I think the most popular foreign cricketers in India are (as far as I know): in no particular order

1. AB
2. Gilchrist
3. Afridi
4. Wasim
5. Steve Waugh
6. KP
7. Chris Gayle.

Gayle beats KP,Waugh also personally speaking its area dependent,for example Mcgrath,Gilly are very famous in Chennai whereas someone like LALA is more famous in Hyderabad,Kashmir,Kolkata
Gayle is very famous in Bangalore but Shane Warne in Rajasthan,Gujarat.

ABD is the only cricketer loved across India.

 

[pillionrider]

This is something I've wondered about because Wasim has always been admired and 'loved' here. This is way before he even took up commentary stints or joined KKR.

In fact, he got those commentary stints etc because of the respect he had earned here. It's not the other way around which is what quite a few Pakistanis get wrong about him and India.

The affection for him has even been above that for Imran probably because the latter came across as jingoistic sometimes. Sadly Waqar isn't treated with the same respect and I think it has to do with the unfortunate one-off that Jadeja had against him.

Wasim was also a genuine champion cricketer in the sense that he played hard but didn't have any problem giving credit to the opposition. Still recall his genuine congratulations to Kumble after the 10-fer, something Waqar didn't display at the time.

Wasim refused to recall Tendulkar after he was runout when Akhtar decided to stick himself in Sachin's way. But no one held that against him because he was always gracious off the field in his liberal praise of Sachin. This at a time when India wasn't of any use financially to him.

Fans notice these small things and respect it I guess.

 

[Zak_Fan]

If you talk about their playing days no one comes remotely close to Imran 's popularity in India , not even wasim, he was massive . The most popular cricketer in india at the time followed by viv richards who was also very charismatic . At least thats what people like Gavaskar , kapil dev ,Sharmila tagore , Mohinder amarnath , Sanjay manjrekar and Rajdeep sardesai believe.

In pakistan MS dhoni is perhaps the most respected and famous indian cricketer .

Surprisingly Afridi has a bigger fan following in India than sachin has in Pakistan.

Maybe in 80s or 90s. Most of the kids I grew up with knew Wasim, Akhtar and Inzi very well, but hardly anyone had heard of Imran. Even I first heard of him when I started following Pakpassion.

 

[Hawkeye]

Maybe in 80s or 90s. Most of the kids I grew up with knew Wasim, Akhtar and Inzi very well, but hardly anyone had heard of Imran. Even I first heard of him when I started following Pakpassion.

So, you heard of Imran, the GOAT Asian cricketer and GOAT allrounder after joining PP?

Were you not interested in cricket earlier?

 

[ethan hunt]

Maybe in 80s or 90s. Most of the kids I grew up with knew Wasim, Akhtar and Inzi very well, but hardly anyone had heard of Imran. Even I first heard of him when I started following Pakpassion.

Thats why i said playing days .
Easily the most famous at the time .
Now he doesn't care about cricket yet he is the highest paid pundit in India .
Charges a massive amount from CNN IBN.

 

[blue_champion]

Wasim is loved because not only he is a great bowler but he is very humble and down to earth just like most Indian legends like SRT,Dravid,Laxman etc etc.....It resonates with us.

Same thing is applicable to Inzi as well....don't think a lot of Indian fans harbor any ill-will to him either despite him being a contemporary of SRT.....simple because he is overall a likeable and humble guy.

Wasim obviously has more charisma and was a much greater cricketer than Inzamam.

If sucking up is a criteria,then every Indian fan's favorite Pakistani cricketer has to be Ramiz Raja

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I think respect for game and love for a cricketer are being confused here.

Imran's game was highly respected in India. He was a feared cricketer no doubt.

And if you are high profile, lots of media attention will be given on you.

Same like Tendu gets in Pakistan.

But love for a cricketer is different.

 

[blue_champion]

Imran Khan in his playing days was very much loved in India if I remember correctly......he tried to be a good diplomat when touring India too,

You look at any other cricketer like Wasim,Waqar,Inzi etc analysis during an India-Pak game and usually they are very subjective in their analysis while as Imran talks like this is still the late 80's early 90's era and the game is being played in Sharjah.........usually his analysis is very arrogant and there is an air of smugness.

Also his comic theories that Pakistani race,genepool etc etc and that there are mountainous tribes and bloodlines which are made for fast bowling etc etc while as Indians are meek and not fit for fast bowling even though we are the same race etc which is amusing for some of us and annoying for the rest.

Waqar used to be very reserved and not so much in the public eye but with his recent IPL stint,his personality is showing up and trust me in a couple of years he will be loved a lot too.

 

[Robert]

Basically because of two deliveries in the '92 WC Final. And because he was more "talented" than his peers.

Heart over head stuff.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Indians think positively of Afridi.

Every Indian kid who grew up in 90s (almost every kid) was an Afridi fan in childhood atleast.

Females were fans.

Elders used to like his batting too.

The term "if he clicks" gets spoken so much, its not even funny.

Afridi in a way was loved by Indians.

Trolled, mocked about his batting, age with the rise of social media (which happens to every player) but sure as hell loved by Indians back in those days.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Current generation the players would be ABD, Gayle, Bravo and a few others.

 

[Adijazz1706]

I didn't ask him why.

Maybe I did once but I forgot exactly what he said.

I guess the reason was self explanatory.

Political climate was really bad. India Pak games were seen as mini wars.

We should not lose to India/Pak no matter what...was a motto in those times.

Probably coz he was captain of the Pak team that thrashed India in many Tests in those days as well as being the man responsible for most of said victories by his performances.

 

[Zak_Fan]

So, you heard of Imran, the GOAT Asian cricketer and GOAT allrounder after joining PP?

Were you not interested in cricket earlier?

Obviously I had heard of Sachin, but not of Sobers or Imran for a simple reason that from when I started following Cricket, people had already stopped talking about Imran, there was no internet and he didn't even have a lot of presence in media (for an Indian).

 

[Statsman]

I see a lot of Indian PPers showing their hate for Mohd. Azharuddin, but same cannot be said for Akram. It's like pure love.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Probably coz he was captain of the Pak team that thrashed India in many Tests in those days as well as being the man responsible for most of said victories by his performances.

Could be (as part of the reason).

But some others seem to say he was well loved.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I see a lot of Indian PPers showing their hate for Mohd. Azharuddin, but same cannot be said for Akram. It's like pure love.

Love for a player doesn't have logic.

You can throw stats, awards, ratings at someone but if he doesn't have a soft corner for someone, it won't make him love that player (respect sure but not love).

Similarly, if he likes someone, he would like him inspite of all flaws.

Azhar was very well loved by Indians but his antics hurt Indians a lot which is why it turned into hatred.

Wasim Akram's antics never hurt Indians (majority of them don't even know about it) so there isn't much to hate him.

Outside of PP, if Amir performs, he will be loved too by Indians. Many already like him.

 

[street cricketer]

I see a lot of Indian PPers showing their hate for Mohd. Azharuddin, but same cannot be said for Akram. It's like pure love.

Indians hate Azhar coz he betrayed them. Why should they be angry at Akram..

 

[Statsman]

Love for a player doesn't have logic.

You can throw stats, awards, ratings at someone but if he doesn't have a soft corner for someone, it won't make him love that player (respect sure but not love).

Similarly, if he likes someone, he would like him inspite of all flaws.

Azhar was very well loved by Indians but his antics hurt Indians a lot which is why it turned into hatred.

Wasim Akram's antics never hurt Indians (majority of them don't even know about it) so there isn't much to hate him.

Outside of PP, if Amir performs, he will be loved too by Indians. Many already like him.

Agree.

On a side note, I have observed that Azhar is hated a lot more than Jadeja, Mongia etc. May be because he was captain of the team.

 

[Statsman]

Indians hate Azhar coz he betrayed them. Why should they be angry at Akram..

I'm sure as a cricket lover one will hate any player who has tarnished the game.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Agree.

On a side note, I have observed that Azhar is hated a lot more than Jadeja, Mongia etc. May be because he was captain of the team.

He is hated more cos he was loved more.

 

[Executioner]

wasim very popular in BD too. No one ever talked about Waqar, Miandad or Khan ever.

It was Wasim all the way. Had to do with his looks

 

[street cricketer]

I'm sure as a cricket lover one will hate any player who has tarnished the game.

How many fans watch the game as a cricket lover..

Azhar was hated more because he was loved very much by the populace as Sif pointed out. Also he was the captain of India as well and one of India's best and most reliable players. So when news broke out, he got more hate.

 

[czar]

Imran was HUUUGE in India is his playing days. esp among females a lot.

Baar baar Yeh doharane se such nai ho jata.

 

[Statsman]

How many fans watch the game as a cricket lover..

Azhar was hated more because he was loved very much by the populace as Sif pointed out. Also he was the captain of India as well and one of India's best and most reliable players. So when news broke out, he got more hate.

Agree - this could be the case.

 

[samplepiece]

Imran Khan is considered by many to be the most handsome man to ever play the game.

Maybe it helps that Wasim has smiling face whereas Imran has some smugness about him. If I were a bowler learning the ropes and I saw Imran and Wasim roaming around, I would me more likely to approach Wasim than Imran. He just comes across as more approachable I think.

 

[czar]

wasim very popular in BD too. No one ever talked about Waqar, Miandad or Khan ever.

It was Wasim all the way. Had to do with his looks

Absolutely right, who talks about Boring Cricketers of that era with so much passion.

Its only after 90s when Cricket reached millions of common households, coupled with rise of media and Internet that allowed players to garner popularity amongst the masses in other countries.

 

[Balthazar]

As someone said, I only came to know about Imran after joining PP and back in the days when I started watching cricket no newspapers wrote about him.

 

[Saqs]

Interesting question.

Especially when you consider that Akram was not always allegedly the cleanest of characters in his playing days - something that I would think Indian fans would bring up over and over - but it doesn't happen.

I think the answer lies in the fact that he was the embodiment of everything India needed during the late 80s, 90s and early 00s.

 

[ethan hunt]

Wasim and sachin were the two best cricketers in their sides respectively in the 90s, the two superstars .

Wasim was everything Tendulkar was not . Tall , goodlooking , agressive with a rockstar image , a poster boy of sorts and most importantly a fast bowler the likes of which India had never had .

So this.contrasting personality of the two superstar cricketers could have captured the imagination of the Indian public .

 

[blue_champion]

Agree.

On a side note, I have observed that Azhar is hated a lot more than Jadeja, Mongia etc. May be because he was captain of the team.

Before the match fixing saga....Azhar was probably the 2nd most loved cricketer in India or in some places like Kolkata(Pre-Ganguly) and Hyderabad even No 1.

Infact I remember Azhar had to intervene and stop the crowd angst in a couple of games in the 90's and the crowd was totally in the palm of his hands.

The betrayal by the one you love more hurts even more than say Jadeja or Mongia

 

[blue_champion]

Similarly Dhoni is loved a lot more in Pakistan as well....infact these days I am sure he is loved more by Pakistani fans than the hardcore Indian fans.

Reason being Dhoni is what Pakistan cricket needs from the Sarfaraz's and Kamran Akmals of the world.

Dhoni is a gentleman,has Charisma and an accomplished cricketer all check boxes that Wasim ticks too which makes them that much more loved.

With guys like Inzamam and Sachin....They were great cricketers but they are a little behind in the charisma department......Inzi being a religious guy kept to himself while Sachin was always shy and reserved.

On the other hand likes of Imran and Ganguly have mixed emotions among fans while they have done a lot and contributed for their respective teams....the opposition fans respect them but their smugness comes across as arrogance and fans may all not relate to them.

Then there are guys like Miandad and Kapil Dev...great cricketers and competitors in their playing days,but little dehati(native) in nature which has made them into caricatures.

Next category Dravid and Waqar....both are well respected and more of the silent types...so while they have the respect as cricketers,their personality as normal people is not entirely known....Waqar has opened up a little with hsi commentary and IPL stint while as Dravid too with the way he is communicating with Youngsters may make them popular as well.

Then there are likes of VVS Laxman,Misbah and Younis Khan who keep to themselves and there is only respect and no extreme opinion.

Finally likes of Shoaib Akhtar,Afridi,Sehwag(Post-retirement),Mo Yousuf-They are too becoming caricatures and now are more popular for off-field antics than on-field accomplishments.

 

[street cricketer]

Wasim and sachin were the two best cricketers in their sides respectively in the 90s, the two superstars .

Wasim was everything Tendulkar was not . Tall , goodlooking , agressive with a rockstar image , a poster boy of sorts and most importantly a fast bowler the likes of which India had never had .

So this.contrasting personality of the two superstar cricketers could have captured the imagination of the Indian public .

That is an interesting theory but that isn't the case. Sachin's opening partner was everything you mentioned - tall by Indian standards, handsome, aggressive, had a poster boy image (prince of Calcutta and all that) and had a huge ego to boot as well. But Dada's popularity could never reach Sachin's in India.

 

[The_Odd_One]

You have to first find the answer that why Kohli is liked by Pakistani fans.

Kohli is miles and miles ahead of every Pakistani batsman and nobody will even attempt to prove that any Pakistani batsman is better than Kohli in any aspect.

Tendulkar did not get the same love because Pakistan had world class batsmen like Anwar, Inzy, Yousuf, etc. Pakistani fans always compared them with Tendulkar and some actually believed that those Pakistani batsmen were better than Tendulkar.

With Kohli and current generation of Pakistani batsmen, it is not even a subject for debate.

Now applying the same theory to Wasim and Indian fans, he is respected because there has not been a single fast bowler in Indian history who was as good as Wasim so there is no other option than accepting his greatness. I am sure, if Srinath was as good as Wasim, we would have seen so many threads bashing Wasim.

Along the same lines, Imran's vs Kapil comes to mind. Even though, Imran was a better cricketer than Wasim without a doubt, he does not get the same love from Indian fans. The reason is simple that India had a very good all-rounder in Kapil Dev who they could compare to Imran.

 

[The Last Of The Stars]

Similarly Dhoni is loved a lot more in Pakistan as well....infact these days I am sure he is loved more by Pakistani fans than the hardcore Indian fans.

Reason being Dhoni is what Pakistan cricket needs from the Sarfaraz's and Kamran Akmals of the world.

Dhoni is a gentleman,has Charisma and an accomplished cricketer all check boxes that Wasim ticks too which makes them that much more loved.

With guys like Inzamam and Sachin....They were great cricketers but they are a little behind in the charisma department......Inzi being a religious guy kept to himself while Sachin was always shy and reserved.

On the other hand likes of Imran and Ganguly have mixed emotions among fans while they have done a lot and contributed for their respective teams....the opposition fans respect them but their smugness comes across as arrogance and fans may all not relate to them.

Then there are guys like Miandad and Kapil Dev...great cricketers and competitors in their playing days,but little dehati(native) in nature which has made them into caricatures.

Next category Dravid and Waqar....both are well respected and more of the silent types...so while they have the respect as cricketers,their personality as normal people is not entirely known....Waqar has opened up a little with hsi commentary and IPL stint while as Dravid too with the way he is communicating with Youngsters may make them popular as well.

Then there are likes of VVS Laxman,Misbah and Younis Khan who keep to themselves and there is only respect and no extreme opinion.

Finally likes of Shoaib Akhtar,Afridi,Sehwag(Post-retirement),Mo Yousuf-They are too becoming caricatures and now are more popular for off-field antics than on-field accomplishments.

Wrong, we need them to be like Adam Gilchrist.

 

[Xeeebon]

For me mainly because I love exciting bowlers and those with great ball skills.

I love Anderson's bowling for the same reason (though I don't like the guy as a person) as he moves the ball like a string attached to it. Wasim used to do it at high pace on all tracks, and had a great bouncer and yorker as well.

I love MJ's bowling at his peak for the same reason (as he is exciting wrt his pace and bounce).

I'm not really a great fan of most Pak batsmen but their bowlers mainly Wasim, as you admire most what you don't have and not what you already have.

Furthermore, he is a very grounded person off the field and very helping of our bowlers as well. Doesn't give verbal diarrhea statements like some of his teammates and carries himself extremely well in the media.

These are the reasons for me to love most amongst all great Pak players...

 

[MMHS]

Great cricketer, and he led a wonderful generation of PAK cricketers. But, main reason is the media boom - young generation had the easy excess to global cricket matches, & commercialisation. Another major reason is people across South Asia are actually much closely bonded than what our politicians feed us.

However, the OP is partially correct - in terms of volume, Wasim indeed is the most popular non Indian Cricketer (not only Pakistani); but he is no where near to Imran, not even close. Imran was more popular than Kapil or Gavaskar, in India.

My elder cousins used to subscribe "Desh" magazine, Sports World, Sports Week & Sports Star back in 80s, which later I read from store room dumps - PTI can endorse me, how much popular Imran was in India those days.

If I take time constant popularity - probably most popular 6 visitors in India are

Imarn
Sir Gary
Viv
Wasim
Sir Ian
Kanhai

Might be wrong with the later positions, but I am fairly sure about the top 3.

 

[The Last Of The Stars]

You have to first find the answer that why Kohli is liked by Pakistani fans.

Kohli is miles and miles ahead of every Pakistani batsman and nobody will even attempt to prove that any Pakistani batsman is better than Kohli in any aspect.

Tendulkar did not get the same love because Pakistan had world class batsmen like Anwar, Inzy, Yousuf, etc. Pakistani fans always compared them with Tendulkar and some actually believed that those Pakistani batsmen were better than Tendulkar.

With Kohli and current generation of Pakistani batsmen, it is not even a subject for debate.

Now applying the same theory to Wasim and Indian fans, he is respected because there has not been a single fast bowler in Indian history who was as good as Wasim so there is no other option than accepting his greatness. I am sure, if Srinath was as good as Wasim, we would have seen so many threads bashing Wasim.

Along the same lines, Imran's vs Kapil comes to mind. Even though, Imran was a better cricketer than Wasim without a doubt, he does not get the same love from Indian fans. The reason is simple that India had a very good all-rounder in Kapil Dev who they could compare to Imran.

There is one Pakistani batsman who surpasses Kohli in one thing, the latter has no T20I hundred.

I like the way you have explained things, acceptable in a way, but from what I have seen, Kohli is not that popular in Pakistan as people over here make him out to be, I still find Sachin more popular than him.

 

[#GreenRoars]

Similarly Dhoni is loved a lot more in Pakistan as well....infact these days I am sure he is loved more by Pakistani fans than the hardcore Indian fans.

Reason being Dhoni is what Pakistan cricket needs from the Sarfaraz's and Kamran Akmals of the world.

Dhoni is a gentleman,has Charisma and an accomplished cricketer all check boxes that Wasim ticks too which makes them that much more loved.

With guys like Inzamam and Sachin....They were great cricketers but they are a little behind in the charisma department......Inzi being a religious guy kept to himself while Sachin was always shy and reserved.

On the other hand likes of Imran and Ganguly have mixed emotions among fans while they have done a lot and contributed for their respective teams....the opposition fans respect them but their smugness comes across as arrogance and fans may all not relate to them.

Then there are guys like Miandad and Kapil Dev...great cricketers and competitors in their playing days,but little dehati(native) in nature which has made them into caricatures.

Next category Dravid and Waqar....both are well respected and more of the silent types...so while they have the respect as cricketers,their personality as normal people is not entirely known....Waqar has opened up a little with hsi commentary and IPL stint while as Dravid too with the way he is communicating with Youngsters may make them popular as well.

Then there are likes of VVS Laxman,Misbah and Younis Khan who keep to themselves and there is only respect and no extreme opinion.

Finally likes of Shoaib Akhtar,Afridi,Sehwag(Post-retirement),Mo Yousuf-They are too becoming caricatures and now are more popular for off-field antics than on-field accomplishments.

Yes, you are right about Dhoni. I am also his one of the biggest fan.

 

[classic]

Nah you've got it all wrong people,


is most loved Pakistani batsman in India.

 

[The Last Of The Stars]

Nah you've got it all wrong people,


is most loved Pakistani batsman in India.

Classic post

 

[Balthazar]

But as of now, AB it is. No one can reach the level of AB in India. Though I feel like current generation of England players are pretty much likable too. Once they start to play more of IPL they might have a chance to overcome AB.

 

[blue_champion]

But as of now, AB it is. No one can reach the level of AB in India. Though I feel like current generation of England players are pretty much likable too. Once they start to play more of IPL they might have a chance to overcome AB.

AB is loved in India while Pakistan loves the more calm and collected nature of Amla

 

[ethan hunt]

That is an interesting theory but that isn't the case. Sachin's opening partner was everything you mentioned - tall by Indian standards, handsome, aggressive, had a poster boy image (prince of Calcutta and all that) and had a huge ego to boot as well. But Dada's popularity could never reach Sachin's in India.

Dada was a batsman .
He was not as good as sachin
No indian cricketer would have matched Sachin's popularity at the time especially not a batsman .
A charismatic fast bowling genioud was an exotic specie at the time.

 

[Statsman]

Great cricketer, and he led a wonderful generation of PAK cricketers. But, main reason is the media boom - young generation had the easy excess to global cricket matches, & commercialisation. Another major reason is people across South Asia are actually much closely bonded than what our politicians feed us.

However, the OP is partially correct - in terms of volume, Wasim indeed is the most popular non Indian Cricketer (not only Pakistani); but he is no where near to Imran, not even close. Imran was more popular than Kapil or Gavaskar, in India.

My elder cousins used to subscribe "Desh" magazine, Sports World, Sports Week & Sports Star back in 80s, which later I read from store room dumps - PTI can endorse me, how much popular Imran was in India those days.

If I take time constant popularity - probably most popular 6 visitors in India are

Imarn
Sir Gary
Viv
Wasim
Sir Ian
Kanhai

Might be wrong with the later positions, but I am fairly sure about the top 3.

Interesting point. I am well aware of Imran's fanbase in India that was there back in the day, that's why said "even Imran".
Over the years I saw Akram replace Imran as the most Pakistani cricketer in India so much so that even the generation before mine doesn't speak much about Imran.

Akram is considered like our own. You won't find Indians getting jealous of Akram's achievements, his wicket tally, his yorkers, his amazing spells etc. so much so that some times it feels they even take a bit of pride in them...they will defend him even when a Pakistani is criticizing him, never contest his greatness, have no problems putting him in world xis. The ever so stat loving Indians will start using phrases like "magician, talent, mesmerizing etc." to prove Akram was more dangerous than Waqar. Indian batsmen have no problems saying Akram was most difficult to face, or would have made their lives difficult if he was playing in this generation....

It's like he is the "humaara ladka" like he lovingly calls Ishant.

 

[street cricketer]

AB is loved in India while Pakistan loves the more calm and collected nature of Amla

He he.. Subtly done.

 

[The_Odd_One]

AB is loved in India while Pakistan loves the more calm and collected nature of Amla

Not true, most of the Pakistani fans rate AB a better ODI player than Amla and Amla as a better test player than AB which is entirely true.

The current generation of Pakistani fans like more graceful on-field personalities.

I think this is the main reason, a lot of Pakistani fans like players like Amla, Kallis, Dravid, Murali, Sangakarra, Williamson, etc.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Didn't read all the responses but it's not because of sucking up to us. I think it has got to do with the fact that Wasim was an insanely skilled cricketer who's peak coincided with the cable revolution in India. Here was a Pakistani cricketer who was actually ridiculously talented and good looking unlike the rest of their team and relatively non controversial in terms of media statements and generally friendly towards the Indian team . What is so surprising ? As far as match fixing was concerned, the entire Pakistan team was allegedly involved in fixing on the 90's. It was not like Wasim was a crook and the rest were angels. He was the cricketer most 90's kids associate Pakistan cricket with.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Didn't read all the responses but it's not because of sucking up to us. I think it has got to do with the fact that Wasim was an insanely skilled cricketer who's peak coincided with the cable revolution in India. Here was a Pakistani cricketer who was actually ridiculously talented and good looking unlike the rest of their team and relatively non controversial in terms of media statements and generally friendly towards the Indian team . What is so surprising ? As far as match fixing was concerned, the entire Pakistan team was allegedly involved in fixing on the 90's. It was not like Wasim was a crook and the rest were angels. He was the cricketer most 90's kids associate Pakistan cricket with.

Did not Saqlain have all these traits?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Did not Saqlain have all these traits?

Not to the same extent. Wasim was also seen as an excellent captain . The only true leader we have seen in the Pakistan team since many of us have not seen Imran.

 

[MMHS]

Interesting point. I am well aware of Imran's fanbase in India that was there back in the day, that's why said "even Imran".
Over the years I saw Akram replace Imran as the most Pakistani cricketer in India so much so that even the generation before mine doesn't speak much about Imran.

Akram is considered like our own. You won't find Indians getting jealous of Akram's achievements, his wicket tally, his yorkers, his amazing spells etc. so much so that some times it feels they even take a bit of pride in them...they will defend him even when a Pakistani is criticizing him, never contest his greatness, have no problems putting him in world xis. The ever so stat loving Indians will start using phrases like "magician, talent, mesmerizing etc." to prove Akram was more dangerous than Waqar. Indian batsmen have no problems saying Akram was most difficult to face, or would have made their lives difficult if he was playing in this generation....

It's like he is the "humaara ladka" like he lovingly calls Ishant.

Of course, that's transition of generation.

Those who used to sleep with Imran's posters those days, now spend most of the time in Mandir, Mosque (or in Kitchen or fixing diapers of grandsons/daughters). Already, I see a serial choker is rated higher than Maradona by many & may be 10 years later you'll hear - who was El Diego? In 1986, there was a big group who formed "Church of El Diego" & that's not in Argentina only.

These days you have internet, facebook, tweeter, blogs, charts, IPL ... what not. Imagine 35 years back young people used to steal money, bunk office to see Imran for a glance in Stadium. I read it somewhere, a group of Indian workers (& not Muslims only, Hindus, Parsis & Shikhs as well), rented two bus to come from Nasik & see Imran at Bombay Test, he was injured that time, but was almost forced to play that Test.

Few of my elder cousins actually spend couple of days at BSF custody as they couldn't manage Visa in short time, tried to cross Benapole border before the Neheru Cup Final. And, Anju Mahedra can tell you better, the craze of Gary Sobers .................... compared to that, it's nothing now, nothing, trust me nothing.

 

[Statsman]

Of course, that's transition of generation.

Those who used to sleep with Imran's posters those days, now spend most of the time in Mandir, Mosque (or in Kitchen or fixing diapers of grandsons/daughters). Already, I see a serial choker is rated higher than Maradona by many & may be 10 years later you'll hear - who was El Diego? In 1986, there was a big group who formed "Church of El Diego" & that's not in Argentina only.

These days you have internet, facebook, tweeter, blogs, charts, IPL ... what not. Imagine 35 years back young people used to steal money, bunk office to see Imran for a glance in Stadium. I read it somewhere, a group of Indian workers (& not Muslims only, Hindus, Parsis & Shikhs as well), rented two bus to come from Nasik & see Imran at Bombay Test, he was injured that time, but was almost forced to play that Test.

Few of my elder cousins actually spend couple of days at BSF custody as they couldn't manage Visa in short time, tried to cross Benapole border before the Neheru Cup Final. And, Anju Mahedra can tell you better, the craze of Gary Sobers .................... compared to that, it's nothing now, nothing, trust me nothing.

Fascinating.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Of course, that's transition of generation.

Those who used to sleep with Imran's posters those days, now spend most of the time in Mandir, Mosque (or in Kitchen or fixing diapers of grandsons/daughters). <b>Already, I see a serial choker is rated higher than Maradona by many & may be 10 years later you'll hear - who was El Diego? In 1986, there was a big group who formed "Church of El Diego" & that's not in Argentina only.</b>

These days you have internet, facebook, tweeter, blogs, charts, IPL ... what not. Imagine 35 years back young people used to steal money, bunk office to see Imran for a glance in Stadium. I read it somewhere, a group of Indian workers (& not Muslims only, Hindus, Parsis & Shikhs as well), rented two bus to come from Nasik & see Imran at Bombay Test, he was injured that time, but was almost forced to play that Test.

Few of my elder cousins actually spend couple of days at BSF custody as they couldn't manage Visa in short time, tried to cross Benapole border before the Neheru Cup Final. And, Anju Mahedra can tell you better, the craze of Gary Sobers .................... compared to that, it's nothing now, nothing, trust me nothing.

Does that church have Maradona's hand of God?

 

[street cricketer]

Of course, that's transition of generation.

Those who used to sleep with Imran's posters those days, now spend most of the time in Mandir, Mosque (or in Kitchen or fixing diapers of grandsons/daughters). Already, I see a serial choker is rated higher than Maradona by many & may be 10 years later you'll hear - who was El Diego? In 1986, there was a big group who formed "Church of El Diego" & that's not in Argentina only.

These days you have internet, facebook, tweeter, blogs, charts, IPL ... what not. Imagine 35 years back young people used to steal money, bunk office to see Imran for a glance in Stadium. I read it somewhere, a group of Indian workers (& not Muslims only, Hindus, Parsis & Shikhs as well), rented two bus to come from Nasik & see Imran at Bombay Test, he was injured that time, but was almost forced to play that Test.

Few of my elder cousins actually spend couple of days at BSF custody as they couldn't manage Visa in short time, tried to cross Benapole border before the Neheru Cup Final. And, Anju Mahedra can tell you better, the craze of Gary Sobers .................... compared to that, it's nothing now, nothing, trust me nothing.

You mean Cristiano?

 

[blue_champion]

Wasim's popularity went up after he started doing commentary for Star Sports. Remember the Shaz and Waz show on Star during our 2003-04 tour to Aus. It was a huge hit.

And from then on, Wasim Bhai has kept going to greater stardom among Indian fans. Fans respect him for his frank views on commentary. He's someone fans can easily relate to as during his commentary he doesn't try to come across as an 'elite'. IPL coaching stint and regular appearances on talk shows with his family has only helped him gain more fans.

Also he was more than willing to help out bowlers when they asked for his advice.....didn't work for Irfan Pathan though...if anything messed him up and his coaching stint with KKR

 

[blue_champion]

Afridi is probably as popular as say Irfan Pathan is in Pakistan.

Both are used as a benchmark of jokes.....Afridi for his fake age and wild slogging and Irfan despite the talent has become the stereotype that is associated with a lot of Indian fast bowlers.

 

[MMHS]

Does that church have Maradona's hand of God?

Apart from his hand, he had few other limbs as well, you can ask the English.

 

[cric_man]

This is something I've wondered about because Wasim has always been admired and 'loved' here. This is way before he even took up commentary stints or joined KKR.

In fact, he got those commentary stints etc because of the respect he had earned here. It's not the other way around which is what quite a few Pakistanis get wrong about him and India.

The affection for him has even been above that for Imran probably because the latter came across as jingoistic sometimes. Sadly Waqar isn't treated with the same respect and I think it has to do with the unfortunate one-off that Jadeja had against him.

Wasim was also a genuine champion cricketer in the sense that he played hard but didn't have any problem giving credit to the opposition. Still recall his genuine congratulations to Kumble after the 10-fer, something Waqar didn't display at the time.

Wasim refused to recall Tendulkar after he was runout when Akhtar decided to stick himself in Sachin's way. But no one held that against him because he was always gracious off the field in his liberal praise of Sachin. This at a time when India wasn't of any use financially to him.

Fans notice these small things and respect it I guess.

Shoaib did not "insert" himself in Sachin's way. He was in position to receive the throw from the outfield while Sachin was not even half way down the pitch. He did not stick his leg out or push Tendulkar. It was Tendu's job to watch where he was going

 

[MMHS]

Fascinating.

Amitabh married Calcutta girl Jaya in 1973, then Jamai Babu visited his in laws City, CP (Calcutta Police) was called to manage crowd at Damdam. ........................ few years back, CP was again asked for over time, when Asif Iqbal's team landed there for Eden Test.

Now, I am living my 2nd career in Canada - doing office, helping wife for house keeping, looking after kids as I don't have any social life here; so you see me lot in PP & I have some knowledge of PAK cricket. If I were in my Social life (& status) of Dhaka, I won't had been able to recognise half of these pathetic bunch, hardly anyone would have made the B team of 80s & 90s.

Politics & security has not much in it - not many Indian would have paid money or time to watch current PAK team. It's not only cricket or result, but it's the cricket that Misbah/Azhar/Afridi's team play, has lot to do with BCCI's stance. This PAK side actually irritates me more than any thing else - no quality, style or passion, in fact no class. Bring Zaheer, Javed, Imran, Wasim, Saeed, Waquar, Qadir, Inzi, Mazid, Shoaib, Razzak or even Asif Iqbal, Sarfraz, Sohail or Wasim Raja - BCCI Chief would have run to New Delhi twice a week for approval of IND-PAK Series.

And, lots of credit goes to PCB for that - hatched the golden eggs, but didn't feed the hen; now left with bones & feathers.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Almost everything's been already said...

Wasim Akram was a bigger than life kind of cricketer. He was outrageously talented. No XI of ANY format can be complete without Sultan of Swing. There is a very solid reason (beyond stats & record) that all batsmen rate Wasim high: He was magical. Had complete command over cricket ball.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Kohli or Dhoni's popularity in Pakistan is being over-stated here. Admiration is one thing. But there is no Indian cricketer who has captured the fascination of a Pakistani fan right now like Wasim has in India.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Indians don't rate Afridi the cricketer but back in the days he was very popular and many of them (youngsters) loved him.

Its easy to love players like him when they are not from your country and you don't have to deal with their baggages.

 

[blue_champion]

Amitabh married Calcutta girl Jaya in 1973, then Jamai Babu visited his in laws City, CP (Calcutta Police) was called to manage crowd at Damdam. ........................ few years back, CP was again asked for over time, when Asif Iqbal's team landed there for Eden Test.

Now, I am living my 2nd career in Canada - doing office, helping wife for house keeping, looking after kids as I don't have any social life here; so you see me lot in PP & I have some knowledge of PAK cricket. If I were in my Social life (& status) of Dhaka, I won't had been able to recognise half of these pathetic bunch, hardly anyone would have made the B team of 80s & 90s.

Politics & security has not much in it - not many Indian would have paid money or time to watch current PAK team. It's not only cricket or result, but it's the cricket that Misbah/Azhar/Afridi's team play, has lot to do with BCCI's stance. This PAK side actually irritates me more than any thing else - no quality, style or passion, in fact no class. Bring Zaheer, Javed, Imran, Wasim, Saeed, Waquar, Qadir, Inzi, Mazid, Shoaib, Razzak or even Asif Iqbal, Sarfraz, Sohail or Wasim Raja - BCCI Chief would have run to New Delhi twice a week for approval of IND-PAK Series.

And, lots of credit goes to PCB for that - hatched the golden eggs, but didn't feed the hen; now left with bones & feathers.

You seem to be in awe of these names fair enough but

Abdul Razzaq, Abdul Quadir,Sarfaraz Nawaz really??? )

 

[Balthazar]

Amitabh married Calcutta girl Jaya in 1973, then Jamai Babu visited his in laws City, CP (Calcutta Police) was called to manage crowd at Damdam. ........................ few years back, CP was again asked for over time, when Asif Iqbal's team landed there for Eden Test.

Now, I am living my 2nd career in Canada - doing office, helping wife for house keeping, looking after kids as I don't have any social life here; so you see me lot in PP & I have some knowledge of PAK cricket. If I were in my Social life (& status) of Dhaka, I won't had been able to recognise half of these pathetic bunch, hardly anyone would have made the B team of 80s & 90s.

Politics & security has not much in it - not many Indian would have paid money or time to watch current PAK team. It's not only cricket or result, but it's the cricket that Misbah/Azhar/Afridi's team play, has lot to do with BCCI's stance. This PAK side actually irritates me more than any thing else - no quality, style or passion, in fact no class. Bring Zaheer, Javed, Imran, Wasim, Saeed, Waquar, Qadir, Inzi, Mazid, Shoaib, Razzak or even Asif Iqbal, Sarfraz, Sohail or Wasim Raja - BCCI Chief would have run to New Delhi twice a week for approval of IND-PAK Series.

And, lots of credit goes to PCB for that - hatched the golden eggs, but didn't feed the hen; now left with bones & feathers.

That's a nice little fantasy you have there. The reason there is no Ind-Pak series is because the current generation Indian fans don't really care about that.

 

[Statsman]

That's a nice little fantasy you have there. The reason there is no Ind-Pak series is because the current generation Indian fans don't really care about that.

He said the same thing. Didn't he?

 

[MMHS]

You seem to be in awe of these names fair enough but

Abdul Razzaq, Abdul Quadir,Sarfaraz Nawaz really??? )

The last 2 indicates tentatively when you are born, the 1st one indicates that you haven't seen Tendulkar, Ganguli's heroics compared to Razzak in 1999 WSC.

 

[MMHS]

He said the same thing. Didn't he?

Really, did I write that? I thought, I wrote something else in English.

 

[Balthazar]

He said the same thing. Didn't he?

Even if those players had still played, the situation would remained the same. Its not about the quality of cricket they play that's affecting the series rather there's too much negativity surrounding the two countries. India still plays a lot of cricket against the likes of Bangla, Zimbabwe despite the severe lack of quality.

 

[Statsman]

Even if those players had still played, the situation would remained the same. Its not about the quality of cricket they play that's affecting the series rather there's too much negativity surrounding the two countries. India still plays a lot of cricket against the likes of Bangla, Zimbabwe despite the severe lack of quality.

The negativity has always been there. Did you watch the 1996 Indo Pak QF?

 

[Adijazz1706]

Not true, most of the Pakistani fans rate AB a better ODI player than Amla and Amla as a better test player than AB which is entirely true.

The current generation of Pakistani fans like more graceful on-field personalities.

I think this is the main reason, a lot of Pakistani fans like players like Amla, Kallis, Dravid, Murali, Sangakarra, Williamson, etc.

Exactly, decent guys are loved more than someone who comes across as hot-headed, hence the surprise at some guy saying Kohli is more liked in Pak than Sachin.

 

[pillionrider]

Another reason to admire this guy. With diabetes too.

Not particularly great technique but still proving that sheer natural ability can trump all technique.

 

[Spectrum]

I like Wasim Akram because he is so desperate to be in india and always supporting us. I find most of the present and past pakistan players clueless nonsense talkers..But i personally respect guys likes of Inzimam, Hanif Mohammad and Wasim.

 

[Ab Fan]

Indians have great admiration for those who have got immense ability and can do the kind of stuffs no one can do.

Wasim Akram belongs to those players whom you whenever watch bowl you will feel like appreciating them because they are just so good. IMO, he was a genius and one of the greatest bowlers to have lived up the game.

We appreciate talent, skills and all-round natural ability because when you have that, you can do anything in that very department of the game.

 

[Ab Fan]

Basically because of two deliveries in the '92 WC Final. And because he was more "talented" than his peers.

Heart over head stuff.

I agree.

Heart over head stuff.

 

[gani999]

It is because Wasim, and possibly Waqar, are the only players the likes of whom India has never produced, and probably never will.

All other Pakistani greats have their Indian counterparts who have done equally well if not better.

But Wasim is special. No one anywhere in the world has managed to come even close to him.

If you ask me for my personal opinion, the two greatest pacers in the entire history of the game are Wasim and Malcolm Marshall.

These two have had no equal. Others have come and gone.

 

[subshakerz]

Imran and Wasim are both loved in India.

Not sure why some posters are saying that Imran is not embraced by India. Since the 1980s, most Indians either were either outright fans of Imran or at least put him in awed respect as Pakistan overtook India in that period. Imran had a great friendship with Gavaskar and since he retired he is always greeted with fanfare when he comes to India.

For Wasim, its mainly due to his mesmerizing bowling and since retirement has been heavily involved in Indian media.

 

[pillionrider]

Imran and Wasim are both loved in India.

During Imran's playing days, he was respected, admired by men and swooned over by many women (and men maybe) in India from what I've read and heard. Since his retirement, he continues to be respected here for his captaincy and cricketing skills.

But the way I see it, Wasim has always been respected, admired and more importantly loved in India. There is something about him that just fascinated us and [MENTION=134230]gani999[/MENTION] is probably right about it being related to us knowing we will never produce a bowler of his skills, at least in our lifetimes.

 

[babajee]

Is Amir highly respected in India?

 

[Kazim_Pak86]

I like Wasim Akram because he is so desperate to be in india and always supporting us. I find most of the present and past pakistan players clueless nonsense talkers..But i personally respect guys likes of Inzimam, Hanif Mohammad and Wasim.

Wasim Akram has not visited India since 2016. He is polite but that does'nt make him desperate and supportive. The way indian neanderthals reacted to Afridi tweet proved to the world who represent the words clueless and nonsense talkers. And how attention seeking they get after losing BCCI contract.
Doubt such trolls can gather goodwill for their country and don't need your wishes for our greats who were ridiculed by indianfans in the past, it tars their legacy as well. Hanif Muhammas hand was cut in 1961 and Inzamam was abused in Toronto in 97.