Former cricket Wasim Akram gets written apology from gunman

Akram’s car was in Karachi

Pakistani cricket legend and former captain, Wasim Akram, has been offered an unconditional apology from Major (Retd) Amirul Rehman, who fired at Akram’s car during a road rage incident in Karachi in early August.

The incident took place as Akram was coaching and supervising a fast bowlers’ camp that was held at Karachi’s National Cricket stadium. The former military man’s vehicle, being driven by his driver and with him in the back seat, hit Akram’s car. This prompted the left-handed, fast bowler to chase and block the path of Rehman’s car, after which the retired Major aimed the gun at Akram and then, fired at his car.

After being left shaken by the incident, Akram filed for an FIR with the police; Rehman obtained pre-arrest bail, with his driver and the car seized as a result of Akram’s complaint.

Sources claim that Rehman approached some of the ex-cricketer's influential friends, but the matter only got settled after Akram demanded a written apology from the retired Major to be released in the media.

In the letter, the retired major has tendered his unconditional apology, for what he considers a "sad incident" that arose out of road rage, and that the whole incident was a misunderstanding. He also added that he and his family were great fans of the swing bowler and that Rehman faced opposition from his family members, who favoured Akram. He called the cricketer a national hero and pride of the country. Rehman also sought a personal audience with the cricket legend.

The full text from the letter has been obtained from the report on Dawn.com:

Dear Sir, (Wasim Akram bhai)

First of all my unconditional apology on the sad incident which took place during a road rage.

My self and my family are great fan of yours, I had a strong opposition at home, also all in your favour.

You are our national hero, our pride how can I think to fight with you, it was just a misunderstanding.

Sir, I personally request for personal audience to clarify my self.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Major (Retd) Amirul Rehman

The Pakistani cricketer, who has led a relatively quiet life after retirement - commentating and analyzing the game, has played for two and a half decades. He is also the current coach of Kolkata Knight Riders team in IPL. During his playing days, in 356 ODIs and 104 Test matches, Akram took a total of 916 wickets at an average of around 23.5 in both formats of the game - rightly a pioneer of Pakistan cricket and swing bowling.