KARACHI: Chaudhry Mohammad Akram, father of former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, died after protracted illness in Lahore on Wednesday.

Wasim, who was not at the bedside at the time of his father’s death, rushed to Lahore from the UAE where he was on assignment with the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Wasim described his father as an influential figure in his life when he was growing up.

“Whatever I achieved as a cricketer was all due to the love and care of my parents. My father was the inspiration for me because he always encouraged me when I was very young,” he said. “He was not only a father but a true friend who stood by me whenever I found the going extremely tough. It’s a very sad day for the family and those who are very close to us.”

Wasim requested the cricket fans and the well-wishers to pray for the departed soul. “I appeal to our well-wishers to pray for my late father. May Allah grant him a place in the heaven and give us patience to bear the irreparable loss.”

Chaudhry Mohammad Akram, who was 85, was later buried after Isha.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi expressed his deep sorrow over the demise of Wasim’s father.

In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Sethi said: “We are with Wasim and his family at this hour of need and pray to Allah Almighty to give them strength to bear this great and irreparable loss.”