Former cricket legend Wasim Akram apologized to Pakistani boxing champion Muhammad Waseem for not getting the reception he deserved after coming back home from winning an international championship.
Boxer Muhammad Waseem returned to his home country after defeating Philippines’ Conrado Tanamor in Dubai last week but his accomplishment along with his arrival back home went largely unnoticed.
“Nobody from the boxing federation or the government came to welcome me at the airport,” Waseem had said about the matter.
When news spread about the lack of celebration of his return, the boxer made sure to highlight the fact that it’s not about extravagant protocol but respect.
“I’m not fighting to get istaqbals at the airport. I’m fighting so that Pakistan gets good istaqbal all over the world. Every fight, every camp, every training, every tour, is another opportunity for me to show the boxing world the world class boxing talent Pakistan has.”
I apologise on the behalf of Pakistan, Sometimes we as a country need to be “smacked on the face” with the fist of reality to wake us up and remind us how we should be treating our hero’s. I’m picking you up from the airport next time myself! Massive congratulations on the win! https://t.co/i7K1S4l2jx
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 15, 2019
Wasim Akram, who immediately responded to the boxer’s tweet, saying, “Sometimes we as a country need to be ‘smacked on the face’ with the fist of reality to wake us up and remind us how we should be treating our hero’s.”
He even offered to personally receive him next time, “I’m picking you up from the airport next time myself! Massive congratulations on the win!”
The humble boxer thanked Akram for his heartfelt words and hoped the country’s situation improves.
wasim bhai aapney bool dia mere liye ye ek bohot barra honor hey. Mey Pakistan se kuch nai mangta abhi mere mulq ke halat behter hongey inshallah thank you @wasimakramlive bhai ???? https://t.co/H9tUcekHCV
— Muhammad Waseem ???? (@MWaseemOfficial) September 15, 2019
Pakistan is filled with immensely talented individuals and its about time we celebrate all victories that bring Pakistan to the spotlight all over the world.
