Quote-hanger

I don't think we will see someone as naturally talented as him for a long time now. I have never seen a greater cricketer or sportsman than him. It is sad to hear about his retirement. But it was something that was playing on his mind for some time now. I have always looked up to him as a cricketer. It was an experience keeping to his bowling all these years. — Rashid Latif

I reckon Wasim and West Indian Michael Holding as two of the best and most natural fast bowlers of the century. Grooming Wasim was the easiest thing because he was naturally gifted. All that I ingrained in him was the ability to take wickets. I do think the PCB should not have dumped him in such an unceremonious manner. — Imran Khan

Wasim Akram was one of the greatest finds of Pakistan cricket in the last two decades. I still feel proud that I was the one who pushed him into the Pakistan team. — Javed Miandad

We did not close the doors on any senior player. Wasim could have staged a comeback. Wasim was a great servant of Pakistani cricket and I pay him the richest of tributes. — Pakistan chief selector Aamir Sohail

He was the pride of Pakistan. Losing a player like Wasim is the most depressing thing. It will be hard to replace him. He should have stayed for some time. — Zaheer Abbas

Wasim was the guiding force for me and we played a lot of cricket together. I can say with authority that there is no fast bowler who could match his quality. — Moin Khan

Wasim Akram is the greatest fast bowler I have ever played. He is rightly called the Sultan of swing bowling. He has a great cricketing brain. Cricket experts from all over the world have praised him for this. — Sourav Ganguly