Karachi: Unidentified gunmen opened fire at former Pakistan skipper and pace legend Wasim Akram here on Wednesday, but he survived the assassination attempt, the media reported.
The attack took place on Shah Faisal Road near Karsaaz area when Akram was in a car, travelling from his home to the National Stadium where he is supervising a 13-day training camp for talented fast bowlers.
The motive behind the attack was unclear. Police have begun an investigation into the attack after shifting the former pacer to a secured place. They are trying to obtain CCTV footage of the incident.
According to reports in the Pakistan media, a shaken but alert Akram called the police helpline and registered a complaint after the attack.
Akram said two unidentified armed men on a motorcycle opened fire at his vehicle.
“A car hit my vehicle from the rear and a person sitting in the other car fired a shot at me.” Akram was quoted as saying by dailypakistan.com.pk after the incident on Wednesday.
The 49-year-old denied receiving any threat prior to the incident and alleged that a government official, who was inside the car, attacked him. He added he has already given the car’s registration number to the police.
“I have noted down the vehicle’s number and given it to the police,” Akram was quoted as saying by tribune.com.pk on Wednesday.
Akram is regarded as one of the greatest pacers of all time. He has taken 414 Test and 502 One-Day International (ODI) wickets in an international career spanning two decades.
Since his retirement, Akram has become a commentator and has also undertaken short term coaching assignments for PCB. He is also currently employed as the bowling coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.