Wasim Akram, a name synonymous with cricket, grew up in the bustling neighborhood of Moral Town. His friend Nadeem and he would spend countless hours in the garage, with Nadeem batting all day and Wasim bowling. It was during these early years that Wasim discovered his love for the game and his talent for bowling.

In 1983-84, Wasim completed his Matric and started playing cricket in the neighborhood. The university ground was very close, and it was there that he first encountered hardball cricket. This transition from tapeball to hardball was a significant turning point in his cricketing journey.

Wasim moved to Mazang and started playing for UBL at the University Ground. He also played matches at Ludhiana Gymkhana in Choburji, Lahore. It was a famous ground with 10-15 nets, and many first-class cricketers used to come there.

A friend introduced Wasim to the internet and took him on his bike for a week so that he could get used to going from Mazang to there. He didn’t get to bat for the first two years because he was a junior. So, he kept bowling. Suddenly, they realized that Wasim had some talent. So, they started playing matches for him at clubs on Saturdays and Sundays. Those days, people like Sadiq Khan and Saud Khan used to bring their own money to the cricket games. Wasim used to give 50 rupees a month.

Wasim had the best time in his school, Cathedral School Lahore. Although he was not the most focused student, he enjoyed the environment and the friendly teachers. He used to get angry that in government schools, everyone is passing in 33%. In the cathedral, it was 50%.

When Wasim was 15, he became a professional and used to get 10 to 15 rupees per game. He used to play cricket with a tennis ball, and there were tournaments on the streets. So, you had to hit the ball straight. It went in one direction and went out the other. And you had to hit the ball far ahead. Sometimes he would do a leg break, or a khab forward, or run forward. Different angles, different things. That’s when Wasim learned street smartness.

This journey from tapeball to hardball has been an incredible one, filled with countless memories and experiences. It’s a testament to the fact that passion, coupled with hard work and dedication, can lead to great things. And as we look back, we realize that every step of the way, every gain, every loss, every victory, and every defeat has shaped Wasim Akram into the cricketer he is today.