Man who opened fire at Wasim Akram tenders written apology

KARACHI: A retired Pakistani army official, who had allegedly fired at country's legendary cricketer Wasim Akram today tendered an unconditional apology to the former fast bowler, saying "it was just a misunderstanding".

Major (retd) Amirul Rehman wrote a letter addressing the former Pakistani cricket captain as "dear sir" and unconditionally apologised for the "sad incident".

"First of all my unconditional apology on the sad incident which took place during a road rage. Myself and family are great fan of yours. I had a strong opposition at home, also of in your favour.

"You are our national hero, our pride. How can I think to fight with you, it was just a misunderstanding," The Express Tribune quoted Rehman as saying.

However, it was not immediately known as what the impact the letter will have in the case which is sub judice.

The 49-year-old, one of the best left-arm fast bowlers ever to play the sport, had escaped unhurt when an unidentified person opened fire at him in a road rage incident in the city's busy Karsaz area while he was on his way to National Stadium where he was scheduled to conduct a training camp for young fast bowlers.

The bullet had grazed his vehicle.

Initial reports had said the gunman did not aim at the cricketer but Akram said the man had been about to shoot him when someone revealed who he was.