A life-sized statue of legendary Pakistan quick bowler Wasim Akram has sparked ridicule after being unveiled at Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad.
The statue, which exhibits Akram in his 1999 World Cup equipment mid-delivery stride, was put in in April however solely went viral this week after pictures had been shared broadly on social media.
Whereas the tribute aimed to honour one among Pakistan’s best cricketers, many followers shortly identified its lack of resemblance.
Some joked that the statue regarded extra like Sylvester Stallone than Akram, whereas others mocked, ‘Made with 10% cement, 90% disappointment.’
One other quipped, ‘Does Wasim Akram know that it is him?’
Regardless of the criticism, Akram, who took 414 Check and 502 ODI wickets, defended the artist’s efforts.
The statue of Wasim Akram at Niaz Stadium in Pakistan bought the physique bang on, however the face is approach off
Akram, pictured throughout a celeb match in Australia, was often known as one of the elegant bowlers of all time, even after he retired from worldwide cricket
The extra you zoom in on the statue of Akram, the more severe it will get, ensuing on hordes of on-line criticism
‘Plenty of speak about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is unquestionably higher than the tiger,’ he posted to X, referring to a different statue of a tiger close by that had ridiculous facial options.
‘It is the concept that issues. Credit score to the creators, full marks for the hassle and because of everybody concerned.’
The statue makes an attempt to seize Akram’s iconic bowling motion from the 1999 World Cup, a match the place Pakistan reached the semi-finals.
Whereas the physique construction and stance had been counseled, the face and expression drew probably the most consideration, with followers noting a frown and ageing options.
Niaz Stadium chief Shiraz Leghari defended the artist’s work, stating, ‘He did his greatest effort, however accepts it would not resemble [Akram] one hundred percent.’
Statues of cricket greats outdoors stadiums are frequent worldwide. India just lately unveiled a statue of Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai, which additionally obtained backlash from followers who claimed it regarded extra like Steve Smith.
It isn’t the primary time a statue has missed the mark and it will not be the final. Listed below are a few of the extra humourous sporting tributes from around the globe.
Sachin Tendulkar, cricket
what, the punters are proper, this does look extra like Steve Smith than Sachin Tendulkar
The Little Grasp’s statue at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium was mocked for not solely not resembling the cricket icon, however for wanting like an Australian champion.
Many followers stated it regarded extra like Australian batsman Steve Smith than Tendulkar himself.
Social media customers criticised the facial options and expression, calling them awkward and inaccurate.
Some followers joked that even Tendulkar won’t recognise himself within the sculpture.
Regardless of the intention to honour a legend, the statue shortly grew to become the topic of memes and on-line ridicule.
Virat Kohli
This extremely intense wax statue of Virat Kohli has been on show at Lord’s, in London, Dubai, Singapore and a variety of different venues
Kohli’s statue was unveiled in June 2018 At Madame Tussauds in London, to honour his glowing cricket profession. Now whereas Virat is called an intense chap, this homage took it to all new ranges. It bought worse for the previous Indian captain when a second wax statue was commissioned, this time in Jaipur, India. Whereas the primary one has Terminator vibes, the second was simply plain creepy. The proportions had been all mistaken with over-sized arms whereas the wax used was very apparent, giving it a greasy and sleasy look.
The Mirpur Bowler, cricket
This anatomically incorrect monstrosity in Bangladesh was erected for the World Cup in 2011 however was by no means demolished prefer it most likely ought to have been
Put in forward of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, this statue depicts a bowler mid-delivery with an anatomically incorrect motion: delivering the ball with the precise foot ahead whereas utilizing the precise hand – a bodily not possible posture in cricket. The sculpture has been criticised for defying each cricketing and scientific logic.
Andy Murray, tennis
Andy Murray’s face says all of it on the unveiling of the Terracotta Warrior Andy Murray statue
In 2011, a terracotta warrior statue of tennis participant Andy Murray was unveiled on the Shanghai Rolex Masters. Supposed to honour his victory, the statue was slammed for its lack of resemblance to Murray, with even the host on the unveiling noting it regarded extra like Seventeenth-century physicist Isaac Newton.
Mohamed Salah, soccer
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah was recognized for this celebration pose all through his enjoying days
They bought the purpose celebration pose proper with this memorial to Salah, however not a lot else
Unveiled on the World Youth Discussion board in 2018, this statue of footballer Mohamed Salah was meant to depict his trademark purpose celebration. Nevertheless, it confronted backlash for its disproportionate options, together with a big head and small arms, resulting in widespread ridicule and comparisons to different notorious statue fails.
Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer
The standard management workforce should have been out for lunch when this bust of Cristiano Ronaldo bought the inexperienced tick of approval
The likeness was so dangerous, the bust needed to be re-done in order to not offend the Portugal nice
A bust of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled at Madeira Airport in 2017 was broadly mocked and it’s simple to inform why. This bust was not solely inaccurate, it was borderline offensive. The criticism led to the creation of a brand new bust to exchange the unique.
Dwayne Wade, basketball
This one is really weird. Unveiled in October 2024, the 8-foot bronze statue of basketball participant Dwyane Wade was supposed to honour his legacy with the Miami Warmth. Nevertheless, followers shortly picked up on the truth that it regarded like an outdated man in a Warmth jersey. Wade was having none of it, defending the likeness and saying it was an inventive expression.
Harry Caray, baseball
Baseball followers do not know whether or not this statue was designed to honour Harry Caray or to let the well-known baseball caller was now haunting you
Regardless that Caray died again in 1998, his statue stands at Wrigley Area regardless of the criticism over the misplaced souls strategy to its design
The statue of legendary Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray has been described as weird, that includes ghost-like faces on the backside meant to characterize the membership’s loyal fan base. Critics have famous that Caray seems to be rising from a thick bathroom of tortured souls, making the statue unsettling.
Brandi Chastain, soccer
Credit score has to go to Brandi for smiling bravely beside a plaque with anyone else’s mug on it
The Bay Space Sports activities Corridor of Fame plaque supposed to honor soccer legend Brandi Chastain in 2018 grew to become notorious resulting from its lack of resemblance to her. The bronze depiction was broadly mocked on-line, with comparisons to numerous male celebrities, together with Mickey Rooney, Gary Busey, and even fictional characters like Biff from Again to the Future. Chastain herself commented on the plaque, saying, ‘It isn’t probably the most flattering, but it surely’s good’.
David Beckham, soccer
David Beckham places on a diplomatic face as a statue that’s speculated to resemble him is unveiled
A statue of footballer David Beckham unveiled in Los Angeles confronted criticism for its exaggerated options and lack of likeness. The statue was mocked for its disproportionate facial options, resulting in widespread ridicule on social media.
Wayne Gretzky, ice hockey
This novice effort has been broadly panned for not recognising the legacy of the nice Wayne Gretzky
He could also be one among Canada’s largest names of all time, however poor outdated Wayne has struggled for recognition, together with being given this jersey together with his title spelled mistaken
The statue of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky in Edmonton has been described as missing element and never doing justice to the athlete’s legacy. Critics have identified that the statue fails to seize Gretzky’s likeness, making it a disappointing tribute to one among hockey’s best gamers.
