Rawalpindi, Oct 13: Former Pakistan cricket brilliant all-rounder Wasim Akram stepped out in the field but neither bowled nor batted as sponsors gifted him a shining new car to mark a farewell before his home crowd. "I am moved by the gesture and reception by Pepsi, Pakistan Cricket Board and all the fans who made me feel moved," Wasim said during the ceremony.

Pepsi Cola International and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) befittingly organized the farewell ceremony for the former captain and record holder left arm fast bowler after the fifth one-day between Pakistan and South Africa played in the garrison city of Rawalpindi near capital Islamabad. "It would have been much better had I played my last match before the home crowd but it's the way it goes and now I am delighted that my people own me," said the 37-year-old who retired in may this year.

"My association with Pakistan cricket and Pepsi is valuable for me and all the wins I achieved for the country remain valuable for me in the rest of my life," said Wasim.

In an illustrious career Wasim, the best left arm pacer, took a world record of 502 wickets in 356 one-day internationals and 414 wickets in 104 tests. The chief guest of the occasion Shaukat Aziz, Pakistan's finance minister, said, "Wasim is an icon."

"Wasim had been a Pepsi star for the last many years and was part of many our promotions. His career record speaks for himself and words cannot do justice to him," said director marketing Pepsi Cola international Khalid Alvi.

Bureau Report