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Sultan

A Memoir
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( 698 ratings, 75 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Sultan by Gideon Haigh and Wasim Akram is an insightful biography into the life and career of legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram. The book delves into his rise to prominence, his exceptional skills as a fast bowler, and his impact on international cricket, offering a compelling look at the man behind the sporting accolades.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you're fascinated by cricket, enjoy inspirational sports biographies, or want to delve into the life and career of one of cricket's greatest fast bowlers, exploring his triumphs and challenges both on and off the field.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Sultan is the official biography of Wasim Akram, the "sultan of swing", one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket.

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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Sultan by Gideon Haigh, Wasim Akram has garnered high praise from the cricketing world. Celebrated for his immense skill and mastery as a left-arm fast bowler, Wasim Akram is hailed as one of the all-time greats, admired by players and fans alike. Esteemed cricketers such as Pat Cummins, Allan Border, and Sachin Tendulkar have lauded not only his extraordinary talent but also his profound impact on the game.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781743798690

Publisher: Hardie Grant Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 November 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hardie Grant Books

Illustration: 2 x 8pp colour

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 610g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Wasim Akram is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. A former Pakistan cricket captain, he remains popular throughout the cricketing world and often commentates for world cricket events. Akram holds the world record for most wickets in List A cricket, with 881, and he is second only to Sri Lankan off-spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan in terms of ODI wickets. He is considered to be one of the founders, and perhaps the finest exponent of, reverse swing bowling and is often referred to as the "Sultan of Swing". In 2009, Akram was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. In October 2013, Wasim Akram was the only Pakistani cricketer to be named in a Wisden all-time Test World XI to mark the 150th anniversary of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

Written with the help of award winning writer, Gideon Haigh, described by The Guardian's Richard Williams as 'the most gifted cricket essayist of his generation'. Gideon Haigh has been a journalist for almost four decades, published more than 40 books and contributed to more than 100 newspapers and magazines. 
 

 

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