Security ramped up at Optus Stadium after altercation between Wasim Akram and fan on Day 2 of 1st BGT 2024-25 TestÂ
The Cricket Australia (CA) and authorities at the Optus Stadium in Perth have increased security after former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram was harassed by a fan on Day 2 (Saturday, November 23) of the first Border-Gavaskar series Test.
Akram is part of the broadcast team responsible for the coverage of the ongoing Test series between India and Australia. According to a report by Telegraph Sport, he was involved in a heated exchange with an abusive fan. Clashes between cricketers, including the retired ones, and fans are common.
Akram is no stranger to Australia as he settled in the nation after his marriage to Shaniera Thompson in 2011. Their daughter was born in Melbourne in 2013.
A few months ago, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were involved in separate altercations with fans which made the rounds on social media. The left-arm seamer was abused by a spectator during the tour of Ireland, with security escorting the person out of the venue.
Haris Rauf, on the other hand, was subjected to taunts by a couple of fans on the streets after Pakistan's humiliating exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The speedster had to be held back by his wife, while on-lookers separated the fans in question to avoid any potential escalation of the matter.
"He picked up the batter's weakness very quickly" - Wasim Akram on Jasprit Bumrah
The legendary bowler hailed Team India's bowling display, particularly skipper Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul, as Australia were bowled out for 104 in the first innings of the ongoing first Test.
"He is the best bowler in world cricket in all the formats. The control, the swing, the pace, using the crease, went around the wicket to Usman Khawaja. I mean, he's just a brilliant bowler to watch. He picked up the batter's weakness very quickly, and he hardly bowled a short ball, and he realised that he would be expecting a short pitch delivery. He pitched up everything, swung the ball both ways and got four wickets. That's what you call the leader leading from the front." Akram said during commentary (via India Today).
Team India went into Lunch on Day 3 with the score reading 275-1 after Yashasvi Jaiswal recorded his fourth Test hundred. The visitors have a lead of 321 runs as Australia look to make a comeback with the new ball.