A short video featuring Pakistan's legendary cricketer Wasim Akram and India's promising opening batsman Abhishek Sharma attracted considerable attention after the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium. In the video, Akram is shown interacting with the young Indian cricketer, expressing sincere praise for his remarkable century against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai earlier that month. "An extraordinary innings. I witnessed that performance. Keep this momentum going. This is merely the beginning… Stay focused and keep excelling. I wish you all the best," Akram is heard advising Abhishek in the clip.

A few days later, the former captain of Pakistan recounted his full experience with Abhishek. Akram confessed that he initially did not recognize Abhishek, who, along with other members of India's T20I squad—captain Suryakumar Yadav and batter Tilak Varma—was in the hospitality box in Dubai during the match. Upon being introduced to Abhishek, his name quickly resonated with Akram.

"I met him in Dubai. I was in the DP World Box. Initially, I did not recognize him. This young man approached me and said, 'I am Abhishek Sharma.' I replied, 'Ah, Abhishek, the one who scored heavily against England,'" Akram recounted on the Ten Sports program 'Dressing Room.'

Wasim Akram compares Abhishek Sharma to Shahid Afridi

In reflecting on his discussion with Abhishek, Akram highlighted the significance of sustaining concentration and the imperative for Abhishek to represent India over the next 15 to 20 years, asserting that this marks merely the commencement of his journey.

"I conveyed my approval by stating 'well done beta.' He is an exceptionally attractive young man. I have watched several clips of his batting and am convinced he has a bright future ahead. I offered him a singular piece of advice: this is just the start; he should aspire to play for his country for another 15 to 20 years."

Drawing a comparison between Abhishek's extraordinary 37-ball century and Shahid Afridi's record for the fastest ODI century against Sri Lanka in 1996, Akram remarked that the left-handed power hitter is on a path to success.

"The talent he exhibits is remarkable, and I believe he is also an adept fielder. What an impressive player and what an extraordinary innings. A century in just 37 balls! I had heard of Boom Boom Afridi, and now I witness this."

Wasim Akram further stated, "I have observed his innings, and I regard him as an exceptional hard-hitting batsman. He simply needs to keep his focus on the game."

Abhishek concluded the match with a remarkable score of 135 runs off 54 balls, breaking Shubman Gill's record for the highest individual T20I score by an Indian. During this explosive innings, he struck 13 sixes. The Punjab cricketer has made an impressive start to his T20I career, amassing 535 runs in 17 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 193.84, which includes two centuries and two half-centuries.

Read Also: England’s Champions Trophy Crash: Hussain and Atherton Pull No Punches

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