'Wasim is a W****r': Akram Recalls Hilarious Experience Featuring Bay 13 Crowd at MCG

Those who have ever played or watched a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia must be well aware of the scenes at Bay 13, recognised as the most colourful and chaotic area of the iconic stadium.

This part of the stands usually pays hosts to passionate fans, who have been known to show their support in interesting ways.

Fast bowling legend Wasim Akram recently recalled a hilarious event featuring the Bay 13 crowd.

With a Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan underway at the MCG, Akram is part of the star-studded commentary panel covering the big-ticket clash.

During Pakistan’s fourth-innings chase, Akram engaged in banter with his fellow commentators when he shared his experience of getting mocked by the fans seated at Bay 13. The incident dates back to a time when Akram had already started making a name with his fiery pace and swing.

In December 1989, Pakistan had a multi-format tour of Australia featuring an ODI tri-series and a bilateral Test series.

The opening game of the three-match Test series was played at the MCG.

Akram put on an enthralling show in the match and fetched a five-wicket haul in each innings. As the ‘Sultan of Swing’ singlehandedly demolished the Australian batting unit, he had to deal with the whistles and boos from the home fans.

According to Akram, he could hear the MCG crowd chanting “Wasim is a w****r”.

As he initially failed to decode the words due to the Australian accent, Akram assumed the fans were perhaps praising him for his bowling performance. But he realised his mistake after then-Pakistan captain Imran Khan made him understand the actual meaning of the phrase.

“At that time, I couldn’t get hold of the Aussie accent as it was my early days in Australia. So I was very happy and was waving at them. And then Imran came up to me, my captain. He said you know what they are saying. I said yes, they are saying you are a good player. Imran said no, they are saying you are a ‘w****r’,” Akram said.

In 2018, India superstar Virat Kohli encountered a similar incident at the MCG during a Test match. During Australia’s batting, the crowd at Bay 13 suddenly broke into a loud cheer, mocking Kohli and the chant had the word “w****r.”

However, the Indian batter reacted in the best way possible. Kohli, who is known for his on-field aggression, only doffed his cap in an acknowledging gesture, which was enough to quieten the Australian fans.