Legendary Pakistani cricketer and commentator Wasim Akram was harassed by a fan during the ongoing Test match series between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium.
The incident occurred on the third day of the match, shortly after Akram had signed an autograph for the fan earlier in the day.
According to reports from The Daily Mail, Akram, who is in Australia for Star Sports’ commentary duties, was leaving the venue and attempting to catch a cab when the fan approached him once again.
In an unexpected turn of events, the fan hurled abusive remarks at the cricket icon. The exchange left Akram visibly upset, prompting immediate intervention from security personnel.
The fan was swiftly escorted away from the scene, though the motive behind the harassment remains unclear.
It has been confirmed that the abuse was not racially motivated, and there is no indication that the fan was intoxicated at the time.
However, the incident has raised concerns over the safety of commentators, particularly in high-profile matches like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In response, Cricket Australia has assured Akram that enhanced security measures will be in place for the remainder of the Test match.
These measures include increased security around commentators during live broadcasts, and commentators will now have the option of being escorted to the venue by cars directly to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, on the field, India has taken a commanding lead in the Test match, with the visitors controlling proceedings after dismissing Australia for just 104 runs in their first innings. ~
Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional five-wicket haul left Australia reeling, and India's openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, extended their advantage with a commanding partnership of 201 runs.
Rahul, who fell for 77, was overshadowed by Jaiswal, who smashed 161 runs, marking his first Test century in Australian conditions. With India declaring their second innings at 487-6, the hosts face an uphill battle, needing 534 runs to win, with just a short time left to survive before stumps.
