‘Sultan of Swing’ delivers a masterclass in the art of fighting diabetes

Harbhajan Singh, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar

Wasim Akram had to simultaneously fight two battles to become successful in international cricket. The first, of course, was his duels with the greatest batsmen of his time, the majority of which he won with his bewitching skills as a left-arm fast bowler.

The other battle demanded a lot of sacrifice and discipline from him. He won that one too convincingly by keeping his diabetes level in control as he delivered — with a very short run-up for a genuine fast bowler —master classes in the art of swing bowling across the world.

The only non-debatable choice apart from the incomparable Don Bradman in all Dream XIs of cricket fans and pundits, Wasim has seamlessly adapted to his role as a broadcaster since hanging up his boots.

During an interview with the , the former Pakistan captain, who was recently in the UAE to commentate on the ILT20, opened up about his memories of playing cricket at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai’s glorious transformation as the world’s most famous city and the importance of raising awareness about a silent killer called diabetes.

First of all, when I enter the Sharjah Stadium, I feel a different vibe from any other cricket stadium in the world. It feels like I have arrived home. This is one of the grounds where spectators can really enjoy the cricket. On other big grounds, you can’t really see the players, they are so far away, but on this ground, it’s so close.

Yes, he has done wonders for cricket in the UAE. I remember coming here for the first time in 1985 as a 17-year-old kid; there was nothing around here, from Sharjah to Dubai, there was desert on each side of the road and now look where Dubai and Sharjah have reached. All credit to Bukhatir that cricket is happening in the UAE now the way it is happening, the World Cups, IPLs, the PSLs, the ILT20s. He is the pioneer when it comes to promoting the beautiful game of cricket in this part of the world. He also took international cricket to Morocco. We played one tournament there, so his vision is incredible. Cricket in this part of the world is reaping the fruits of what he did about 40 years ago.

Yes, Dubai is THE city in the world now. Everyone loves it. No one who comes here can forget that experience. That rarely happens in other cities. I remember, in 1985 when I came here for the first time, we saw the Dubai World Trade Centre. It was the tallest building in the UAE. There was nothing else to do, so we drove from Sharjah to Dubai just to see the Trade Centre Building. Now Dubai has the tallest building in the world, and the best restaurants in the world. Also, the best thing about this place for foodies is that it has options for all people, from fine dining to affordable restaurants. You get all the best cuisines from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines. Dubai is a one-stop shop.

Look, in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, diabetes is a kind of pandemic, it’s called the silent killer in our countries because there is no pain. And Type 2 diabetes is on the rise worldwide, especially in our part of the world, including the UAE. That’s because of the lifestyle. So I think this kind of initiative from the Dubai and the UAE government — to get people together, to raise awareness — it’s amazing. I understand that the young generation is totally into their gadgets and social media. In our time, we had to go out and play sports. Now they just play sports on the computer. So it’s truly commendable what the government is doing in the UAE because raising awareness about lifestyle diseases like diabetes is important.

Yes, my sons, one is 23 and the other is 26, do spend time playing video games, but they also go to the gym regularly. My elder one is an amateur mixed martial arts athlete. He is in the US. The younger one goes to the gym every day. It’s a habit; they do what they see their parents do. Even when I travel for commentary assignments, I wake up early, go for a walk and then start my gym session. That’s a healthy lifestyle. You have got to sleep early, and wake up early and the whole day is yours.

Look, I am not Shah Rukh Khan that there would be queues outside, you know, people wanting to see me. But whoever came, it was great fun. I got to mix up with all the people, and speak to them according to their age, according to their mindset. And I have a lot of stories, I played for 20 years and then I have been broadcasting for 20 years. You know, you lead by example. I try to have a healthy life. Anybody can learn from me and be disciplined in life. The young generation, they must do their homework, be punctual, you know, the normal stuff and that’s very rare nowadays. Punctuality is not part of our culture, unfortunately. But one day, hopefully, we will get there.

Well, I am done with coaching roles. I have done it and I don’t want to take stress again; coaching is a stressful job, especially in my country. You have to go to practice sessions; you have to do meetings. I would like to teach cricket to youngsters who come up to me for a chat, but I think broadcasting is my future now. I just want to chill, I have a nine-year-old daughter, and I want to spend time with her. I want to do the normal things, drop her at school, pick her up from school, take her for swimming and stuff like that.

(Laughs) Shafqat was one of my mentors. He was the one who picked me in the team when he was the selector. He and the other selectors in that selection committee had the eye. You know, in those days it was being a selector was an honorary job . They used to watch a lot of first-class matches and sit there on the ground to see young talents. So yes, thank you very much, Mr Shafqat, I always have that sense of gratitude for you.

Look, I am fine, I am happy with everything that I have achieved as a cricketer for Pakistan. I am Wasim Akram because of Pakistan. And if I am born again, I would love to play for Pakistan again.