Wasim Akram aims at breaking world record (8 February 1999)

8 February 1999

Wasim Akram aims at breaking world record

By Our Special Representative

NEW DELHI, Feb 7: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram was targeting a world record after becoming his country's leading wicket-taker on Saturday. "I think that I have the strength and power to break the world record. So my next goal is Kapil Dev's record of 431 wickets," Akram said.

The left-arm bowler felt that he was bowling very well. "I am very satisfied with the way I have bowled at Chennai and now here. If I get a few favourable tracks, that record can be achieved in even a shorter time."

Akram said he felt honoured to break Imran Khan's record. "I am elated to break the record of my mentor, idol and the man who has been a real inspiration to me.

"I felt very proud when I received his congratulatory message on Saturday evening. In that message, he advised me that I have the potential and talent to break the world record. He feels that I should now set my goals to become all-time leading wicket-taker."

Javed Miandad, who first picked Akram for the 1984 tour of New Zealand, said Imran Khan and Wasim Akram cannot be compared. "Both are great fast bowlers and it would be injustice to compare them.

"But when Imran played, cricket and players were different. I think in Imran's days, there were more world-class batsmen.

"I personally feel that records meant to be broken."

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)