Watch: Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram delivers a ‘yorker’ to the devil during Hajj 2026
‘Sultan of Swing’ was among more than 1.7 million pilgrims performing annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
DUBAI – Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has found himself at the centre of social media attention during Hajj 2026 after a video showing him performing the symbolic stoning ritual in Mina rapidly spread online.
The former fast-bowling star, currently in Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage, appeared to bring a touch of his famous bowling style into one of Hajj’s most recognised rituals.
Known worldwide as the “Sultan of Swing”, Akram was filmed taking part in the Jamarat ritual, where pilgrims throw pebbles at pillars symbolising the devil. The clip quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many users drawing comparisons between the symbolic throws and the trademark bowling action that made him one of cricket’s most feared pace bowlers.
In the viral clip, the former Pakistan captain can be seen throwing pebbles in his signature bowling motion before appearing to celebrate afterwards in a manner reminiscent of scenes witnessed throughout his playing career.
The symbolic act takes place in Mina near Makkah and recreates the moment when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is believed to have rejected Satan’s attempts to divert him from obeying God’s command. Pilgrims perform the ritual by throwing pebbles at three concrete structures representing the devil.
Who is Wasim Akram?
Wasim Akram remains one of the most decorated fast bowlers in cricket history. Born in Lahore on June 3, 1966, he represented Pakistan from 1984 until 2003 and built a career many regard among the sport’s greatest. Across 460 international matches, he claimed 916 wickets, including 414 in Test cricket and 502 in One Day Internationals.
He became the first bowler in history to reach 500 ODI wickets and also became the first player to take more than 400 wickets in both Tests and ODIs. Akram played a central role in Pakistan’s triumph at the 1992 Cricket World Cup and later earned induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009. His mastery of reverse swing and ability to move the ball both ways earned him his enduring nickname.
Hajj 2026
The viral moment unfolded as Saudi Arabia hosted one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. According to the General Authority for Statistics, more than 1.7 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2026, with 1,707,301 pilgrims participating overall. Of these, more than 1.54 million arrived from outside Saudi Arabia, while men accounted for 893,396 pilgrims and women 813,905.
Pilgrims gathered in Mina after spending time at Mount Arafat and Muzdalifah, where many collected pebbles before taking part in the stoning ritual amid temperatures reaching around 45°C during parts of this year’s pilgrimage.