This is such a shock

Huma Akram was a qualified doctor herself. But when she fell ill to a ‘rare fever’ a few days ago, little could the doctors at the Chennai hospital do to save her.

Huma Akram was a qualified doctor herself. But when she fell ill to a ‘rare fever’ a few days ago, little could the doctors at the Chennai hospital do to save her. At 41, she left behind two sons — Taimur and Akbar — and husband Wasim Akram, one of the greatest Pakistani cricketers ever.

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Those close to the couple in India are shell-shocked. “This is absolutely shocking,” says cricketer Nikhil Chopra, Akram’s friend and fellow commentator. “Huma was perfectly fine a month ago,” says former cricketer Atul Wasan, recalling a conversation with her just days ago. “I just can’t believe it,” says Irfan Pathan, who has been “trying to get in touch” with Wasim Akram since yesterday, but in vain. “This is really sad,” is all he keeps muttering.

Fondly recalling his memories of the couple, Chopra adds, “People say romance dies after marriage. But with Wasim bhai and bhabiji, it seemed to grow everyday.” . “She was so full of life and loved shopping from Delhi for her kids.” “Huma brought Wasim’s life on track and he must be going through hell right now,” says Wasan, who knows the couple “since their courtship days in Manchester.”

TV host Simi Garewal, who had interviewed the couple on her show says, “I don’t know how Wasim will manage without Huma. I remember her as someone so alive and strong. She was highly educated, very intelligent and stood by Wasim. She meant everything to him.”