'I developed a dependence on cocaine'- Wasim Akram makes shocking revelation about cocaine addiction post retirement

While the nation is still recovering from Pakistan's shocking defeat against Zimbabwe, Wasim Akram has sent shockwaves around the globe after revealing his addiction to cocaine post-retirement from cricket. The former Pakistani great made this shocking revelation in his new book Sultan: A Memoir.

Wasim Akram is regarded as one of the greatest left-arm pacers of all time due to his natural ability to move the ball both ways. After making his debut for Pakistan in 1984, the celebrated pacer went on to scalp more than 900 international wickets before retiring in 2003. His most memorable outing came against England in the 1992 WC final when he cleaned up Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis on consecutive deliveries to set up Pakistan's maiden triumph, following his blistering 33 runs of just 18 deliveries in the first innings.

The 56-year-old revealed his addiction to cocaine in his new autobiography after he retired from cricket. He also admitted to quitting the drug after his first wife's untimely death due to a rare fungal infection in 2009.

"The culture of fame in south Asia is all-consuming, seductive and corrupting. You can go to 10 parties a night, and some do. And it took its toll on me. Huma's last selfless, unconscious act was curing me of my drug problem. That way of life was over, and I have never looked back," Wasim Akram shared his views with the Times.

The drugs were a substitute for the adrenaline rush of competition: Wasim Akram

The fast bowling sensation, who led Pakistan in 25 Tests and 109 ODIs between 1993 and 2000, stated that his addiction was initiated when he was away from his first wife and his two sons. His addiction reached a fever pitch after he was offered cocaine at a party in England. The cocaine addiction grew as the drugs felt like a substitute for all the thrill and rush he used to miss after quitting the game.

"It started innocuously enough when I was offered a line at a party in England; my use grew steadily more serious, to the point that I felt I needed it to function. Huma, I know, was often lonely in this time, she would talk of her desire to move to Karachi, to be nearer her parents and siblings."

"I was reluctant. Why? Partly because I liked going to Karachi on my own, pretending it was working when it was actually about partying, often for days at a time. The drugs were a substitute for the adrenaline rush of competition, which I sorely missed."