Sultan

For two decades, Wasim Akram let his cricket do the talking – his electrifying left-arm pace, explosive left-handed striking, inspirational leadership and magnetic presence on the field made him a cricketing legend. Yet, for another twenty years, Akram remained circumspect about the intensity and drama of his career, his thoughts shrouded in the enigma of Pakistan - a country equally mysterious to outsiders. Until now.

Sultan unveils the gripping story of cricket's most extraordinary left-arm bowler, narrating his journey from the bustling streets of Lahore to the zenith of world cricket. Handpicked and mentored by the iconic Imran Khan, Akram showcased his prowess by clinching the man of the match title in the 1992 World Cup final. His career is studded with unforgettable rivalries against legends such as Viv Richards, Ian Botham, Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne. Amidst these epic duels loomed clouds of controversy over ball tampering and match-fixing, controversies that Akram addresses with forthright candour, offering a definitive take on these issues.

But Sultan delves deeper than the cricketing field. It candidly explores the contours of Wasim Akram's private life filled with immense highs and devastating lows. The book poignantly captures the heartache following the tragic death of his first wife and his painful battle with addiction. Through his personal upheavals, Akram emerges resilient, offering readers an unprecedented insight into the life of a cricketer who not only revolutionised the game but also bore the weight of immense national expectations, buoyed by the fervour of one of the sport’s most passionate fan bases.

Sultan is not just a memoir of matches won and records set; it is a testament to the spirit of a man who transcended the sports arena, bearing his true story with remarkable openness. This book is essential reading for cricket enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of formidable odds.