In a shocking incident, Pakistan’s legendary bowler Wasim Akram faced a disgraceful incident while interacting with fans during the ongoing first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Akram is currently in Australia working with Star Sports as a broadcaster for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Wasim Akram was subjected to verbal abuse by a fan while signing autographs on Day 2 of the ongoing five-match Test series opener between Australia and India at the Optus Stadium in Perth. However, the exact motive behind the abuse remains unclear, but officials have reportedly clarified that it was not racial abuse targeted at Akram.
Cricket Australia (CA) reacts swiftly after Wasim Akram faces verbal abuse in Perth Test
Following the shameful incident, Cricket Australia (CA) has tightened the security at the Optus Stadium to prevent such incidents. The governing body assured that measures are being taken to ensure the safety and dignity of players, commentators, and all involved in the game.
Read Also: Watch: Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne engage in a heated face-off in Perth Test
According to the report of Telegraph Sport, Wasim Akram was involved in a heated exchange with a fan, who verbally abused the former Pakistan cricketer. The altercation led to a brief uproar during the Perth Test match between Australia and India before security intervened in Perth.
It is being said that the young fans were ecstatic as the Pakistan legend graciously signed autographs for them earlier on Day 2. However, things took a dramatic turn in the evening, as Wasim was seen leaving the Optus Stadium to catch a cab, and the same fans became hostile and started abusing him.
Wasim Akram faces shocking abuse incident during India-Australia Perth Test
Cricket officials confirmed that the abuse aimed at Wasim Akram was not racially motivated. However, they emphasized the importance of strengthening security measures for the rest of the Perth Test to safeguard players and maintain a secure environment for everyone.
On Day 3, India’s innings began on a strong note at 172/0, setting a solid foundation for the day. KL Rahul (77) narrowly missed out on a well-earned century. Devdutt Padikkal (25) showcased promise but fell immediately after lunch, repeating his first innings’ error in the Perth Test.
Read Also: Virat Kohli achieves remarkable milestone, completes 100 hundreds in professional cricket
The stage was then set for Virat Kohli, who walked in with determination and sensibly anchored the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal’s record-breaking knock came to an end at 161 runs, and India soon found themselves in a tricky spot as Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel departed in quick succession, leaving the team at 46/4 in a sudden collapse against Australia.
India needs 8 wickets to win the Perth Test
However, Washington Sundar (29) stepped up and steadied the innings with a composed approach alongside Kohli. The highlight of Day 3 came as Virat Kohli (100*) brought up his long-awaited 30th Test century, ending a drought of over a year. Shortly after Virat reached the milestone, India declared their innings at 487/6, leaving Australia with a daunting target.
The Indian bowlers wasted no time in declaring their dominance. Jasprit Bumrah dismantled the top order, removing Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne. On the other hand, Mohammad Siraj struck late, dismissing nightwatchman Pat Cummins to put Australia on the back foot on 12/3.