When Wasim met Wasim: Pakistan legend passes on wisdom to UAE hopeful and namesake

In Pakistan’s Swat Valley in the late 1990s, a father was so besotted by the great Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram that he named his son after him.

He hoped it might foster a love of cricket just like his own in his son. Maybe he would grow up to be a fast bowler, too.

It would be pushing his luck for him to be a left-arm quick of dextrous skill. And for his son to one day meet his great hero, at a cricket stadium in Dubai, while potentially on his way to an international career of his own? That all seems a bit far-fetched.

And yet that is exactly what has come to pass, with the cycle completed two weeks ago.

Wasim Akram Jr has been plying his trade in UAE domestic cricket for the past couple of years, after moving from Pakistan due to financial issues back at home.

He caught the eye at the DP World International League T20 Development tournament at the end of last year when he took six wickets in one game, bowling unerring left-arm swing.

He did not land a contract to play in the main event, but he is on the radar of the national team, and the tournament’s organiserss fixed it for him to meet the man he is named after.

Having been called to Dubai International Stadium to tell his story, the organisers surprised him by introducing him to the man after whom he takes his name.

“It was excellent meeting the great Wasim Akram,” the younger of the two Wasims said. “I was surprised and amazed. It was one of my dreams to meet him, and I felt a big honour.

“He welcomed me and complimented me on my bowling skills. He told me that he watched my bowling clips and told me to show some him more footage of my bowling.

“He gave me some valuable tips about his bowling skills. He told me that this is only the beginning, but he will