Let's take a look into the love story of iconic Pakistani cricketer, Wasim Akram, who was married twice in his life, once to an activist, Huma Mufti, and the second time to an Australian woman.
Wasim Akram is hands-down one of the greatest bowlers ever in the history of cricket. The Pakistani bowler is renowned worldwide by the 'The Sultan of Swing' moniker. The legendary left-arm fast bowler had taken 414 wickets in 104 Tests and 502 wickets in 356 ODIs. Back in time, BBC labelled Wasim Akram as "one of the greatest left-arm bowlers in the history of world cricket".
Wasim Akram holds the record of taking the most wickets in ODIs as a captain (158). The legendary cricketer has set a series of records in his illustrious career and has also received tons of awards and accolades. Another reason why Wasim Akram has a crazy fan following in Pakistan is that he played an extremely important role in Pakistan's iconic victory against England on March 25, 1992, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.
For the uninitiated, we are talking about the final of the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup, which Pakistan won after they defeated the Three Lions in Australia. Wasim Akram finished the tournament with 18 wickets in 10 matches. Even in the final, he won the 'Player of the Match' award for clinching three wickets and scoring 33 runs against England. After retiring from cricket, he became a commentator and won everyone's hearts with his critical analysis and exceptional technical knowledge. In 2010, Wasim Akram was appointed as the bowling coach consultant of the Indian Premier League (IPL) side, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Famous Indian bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav were often seen crediting Wasim Akram for their successful careers. According to multiple reports, he is currently the chairman and bowling coach of Karachi Kings and is also the vice-president of Kashmir Premier League (KPL). Courtesy of his tall figure in world cricket, Wasim Akram's personal life always remained in the headlines. Even today, people are curious to know more about his marriage story. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Talking about iconic Pakistani bowler, Wasim Akram's love life, he got married to a social activist named Huma Mufti in 1995. The couple welcomed two sons, Tahmoor and Akbar. Everything was going well in their happy married life until Huma was diagnosed with a life-threatening problem in her body. Despite the doctors' best efforts, she succumbed to death on October 25, 2009, at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, due to multiple organ failure. It was a massive shock for Wasim Akram, who lost his life partner at the mere age of 42.
Once, in a candid conversation on a Pakistani television show, Wasim Akram opened up about his wife, Huma Mufti's heartbreaking demise. The doting husband revealed that his sons were 7 and 10 when Huma passed away, and they couldn't understand what had happened. Sharing how it was a chaotic moment for him but added that Huma's friends and family supported him. The cricketer looked emotional while talking about his late wife, and he also recalled Huma's final moments.
Wasim Akram revealed that they were flying to Singapore from Lahore in an air ambulance for Huma's treatment, but when they were around Chennai, the latter fell unconscious. Despite having no Indian visas, Wasim Akram and his wife, Huma Mufti, were allowed to enter Chennai. She was immediately admitted to Chennai's Apollo Hospital, but it was too late. While recalling the heartbreaking demise of his first wife, Huma Mufti, Wasim looked quite emotional.
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Wasim Akram's first wife, Huma Mufti passed away in October 2009, and according to a report in The Express Tribune, the Pakistani cricketer fell in love with an Australian social acivist, Shaniera Thompson, in 2011. According to multiple reports, Shaniera and Wasim met for the first time in 2011 at a dinner which their mutual friends organised. The duo exchanged numbers and started talking to each other for some time on texts and calls. While Wasim Akram introduced her to Pakistani culture, Shaniera showed him her Australian roots, and the two eventually fell in love.
After dating for almost two years, Wasim Akram and Shaniera Thompson got married on August 12, 2013, in an intimate ceremony. At the time of their marriage, Wasim was 47, and Shaniera was 30. The couple's massive age difference of 17 years created a stir in international media, but with time, everything was settled. The Australian social activist learnt Urdu and converted to Islam to marry her lover, Wasim Akram.
Wasim Akram and Shaniera Thompson welcomed their first and only child, a baby girl named Aiyla, on December 27, 2014. Wasim's second wife, Shaniera shares a beautiful bond with his two sons, Tahmoor and Akbar, from the Pakistani cricketer's first marriage with Huma Mufti. We have repeatedly seen Wasim and Shaniera attending events or vacationing with their three children. We hope the family of five continues to live a happy life ahead.
What are your thoughts on Wasim Akram's marriage story? Let us know.
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