In a shocking incident, legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram faced an embarrassing 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 first match of the five-match Test series between Australia and India at the Optus Stadium in Perth. However, the exact motive behind the abuse is still unclear, but officials have reportedly clarified that it was not racial abuse directed at Akram.
Cricket Australia (CA) reacts quickly after Wasim Akram faces verbal abuse in Perth Test
Following the embarrassing incident, Cricket Australia (CA) has beefed up security at Optus Stadium to prevent such incidents. The governing body assured that measures are being taken to guarantee the safety and dignity of the players, commentators and everyone involved in the game.
Also Read: Watch: Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne engage in heated confrontation in Perth Test
According to Telegraph Sport report, Wasim Akram was involved in a heated exchange with a fan, who verbally abused the former Pakistan cricketer. The altercation caused a brief stir during the Perth test match between Australia and India before security in Perth intervened.
The young fans were said to have been elated when the Pakistan legend graciously signed autographs for them earlier on Day 2. However, things took a dramatic turn in the evening, when Wasim was seen leaving the Optus Stadium to catch a taxi , and the same fans became hostile and began to abuse him.
Wasim Akram faces shocking incident of abuse during Perth Test between India and Australia
Cricket officials confirmed that the abuse directed at Wasim Akram was not racially motivated. However, they stressed the importance of strengthening security measures for the remainder of the Perth Test to protect players and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
On Day 3, India’s innings started 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) showed promise but fell immediately after lunch, repeating the mistake of his first innings in the Perth Test.
Also Read: Virat Kohli achieves remarkable milestone and completes 100 hundreds in professional cricket
The stage was then set for Virat Kohli, who came in with determination and sensibly anchored the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal’s record knock came to an end with 161 runs, and India soon found itself in a sticky situation 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 Perth Test
However, Washington Sundar (29) stepped up and stabilized the innings with a composed approach alongside Kohli. The highlight of Day 3 came when Virat Kohli (100*) hit his much-awaited 30th Test century, ending a drought of over a year. Soon 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 night watchman Pat Cummins to put Australia behind at 12/3.