Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram had a narrow escape on Wednesday when an unidentified armed man fired at his car after a road accident in the port city of Karachi, according to media reports.
Akram, who was in Karachi to conduct a bowling camp, was on his way to a session when his car was apparently involved in the accident.
According to police, the accident was followed by a heated exchange and a man pulled out a gun and fired a shot that hit the tyre of Akram’s car, Dawn News channel reported. Akram remained unhurt.
Police officials at the scene said Akram was not the intended target and was unlucky to have been caught in what “could have been a tragic situation”.
But Akram, 49, said a car had deliberately crashed into his vehicle. “A car had hit my vehicle and when we asked him to pull over, he stepped out and shot at my car. He looked (like) an official,” he was quoted as saying.
Omar R Quraishi (@omar_quraishi), whose Twitter profile identified him as a journalist with Pakistan-based ARY TV news channel, quoted the former cricketer as saying: “The attackers were professional — one of them got off and fired at my vehicle.”
Express News channel reported that the incident occurred at Karsaz Road near the National Stadium in Karachi, where Akram is conducting the camp.
Akram called a police helpline and registered a complaint. “I have noted down the vehicle’s number and given it to the police,” he said.
Akram said he had not received any threat from anyone. He was shifted to a safe place, police officials said.
Left-arm pacer Akram represented Pakistan in 104 Tests, 356 ODIs, and five Twenty20 internationals, with a total of 924 wickets across the three formats. He is currently the bowling coach of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and a commentator.
“I strongly condemn the firing on Wasim Akram’s car in Karachi,” his former captain Imran Khan posted on Twitter. “I am glad to know Wasim Akram is safe.”