The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
IT has been nearly 20 years since the Akram family decided to seek permanent residence in Zimbabwe, and back then, the youngest of the clan, Muhammad Faraz Akram, did not have so much in terms of future prospects.
After all, he was only seven at the time. But over time, the 27-year-old Mashonaland Eagles cricket all-rounder has settled into his new surroundings, having spent time in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan before.
He now has a clear vision of what he wants to do.
Either a career in computer software, as evidenced by his degree in computer engineering, or that of a professional cricketer.
It is, however, in cricket where Akram’s passion seems to lie.
Born September 10, 1993, Akram’s story begins in the Middle East, where the all-rounder was born to a diplomat father and, as such, spent his formative years travelling up and down, but without necessarily setting up roots.
“I was born in Saudi Arabia, raised in Pakistan and moved to Zimbabwe in 2000. My dad used to work in the Pakistan embassy; that is how we came here and stayed for good,’’ said Akram.
It was in Zimbabwe that he was introduced to cricket.
“I started playing cricket when I was in Form Two at Westridge High and mostly because that is where all my friends were, and so it was more of a fun few hours with the gang than anything else.
“I just wanted to bat, hit sixes and never at all try to bowl or keep wickets. I ran around very lazily those days and never in my wildest dream did think that I would turn out to be a fast bowling/all-rounder
“It is amazing how things have turned out,” he said.
The reason for this turnaround lies largely at the doorstep of former Zimbabwe Test captain Tatenda Taibu and the Rising Stars Academy project.
“I never thought I would be playing such high level of cricket; as for me, it was something I did for fun playing league cricket at Old Hararians. I owe a lot to Rising Stars (Academy) and Mr Taibu, as getting picked for trials to go to the United Kingdom was an amazing experience, and it helped launch my first-class career,” Akram said.
This all happened in 2017.
Inside the last three years, Akram has won three Pro50 Championship titles and was gunning for a third before the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to his quest.
“The highlight of my career so far has been my first year as a rising star all-rounder, where we won the Pro50 championship without losing a game. I felt that was a strong start for me and my teammates. I moved to Mashonaland Eagles and won it again with them.
“With back-to-back trophies, I really wanted to make it three in a row, but then the pandemic hit,” he said.
Like most athletes, in cricket or any other sports, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on Akram, hitting him hard as it came at a time he had been called-up for the Chairman’s XI during Derbyshire’s tour of Zimbabwe in March.
The tour could have opened doors for him.
“It was tough staying indoors for almost three months.
“I had been called up for the Chairman’s Xl for the Derbyshire County’s tour to Zimbabwe; and if you remember correctly, we played a couple of matches before we were told to go back due to the pandemic.
“Staying at home, doing nothing, has been tough on the body and mind. Luckily my family has been around and that has helped pass the time smoothly,” he said.
With the Pro50 Championship now in the bag, he has turned his attention to the Logan Cup.
“I am yet to have any low points, but if I had to choose something, then maybe not winning the Logan Cup yet, is something I regret.
“I want to make sure I have that title on my CV,” Akram said.
