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Pakistan's Wasim Akram Attends India Match; Rings The Traditional Bell At Old Trafford

Abhinav Tyagi

Wasim Akram at Manchester - (Source : @Cricinformer/X.com)Wasim Akram at Manchester - (Source : @Cricinformer/X.com)

The play on Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England is underway at Old Trafford in Manchester. The ongoing session saw a special guest as Pakistan legend Wasim Akram was present at the ground and also kickstarted the play by ringing the bell, a tradition followed across stadiums in England. 

Wasim Akram's Presence Sends Netizens Into A Frenzy

Wasim Akram's presence at an India match wouldn't have been unusual a few months ago, but it is the first appearance of a Pakistan legend for an India game since the Operation Sindoor. 

The tensions between the two countries escalated in May 2025, when the two neighbouring nations entered a war-like situation. India cut off all diplomatic relations with Pakistan for the terror attack in Pahalgam. 

Ever since the Operation Sindoor, the sports personalities too have avoided meeting players across nations and rather have been vocal in voicing support for their nation, which also led to the cancellation of the recent Indo-Pak tie at WCL 2025. Thus, Akram's presence has left the internet in a frenzy. 

Further, it is unclear whether Akram was present at the Stadium for just the bell ceremony or if he will also commentate on Day 3 of the fourth Test. 

What Is The Five-Minute Bell At Old Trafford?

It is a long-standing tradition where a significant personality rings a bell present in the stadium, five minutes prior to the start of play, to alert the fans and players that the commencement of the game is just five minutes away. Thus, the name derived from there and it is called the Five-Minute Bell. 

Talking about the ongoing match, Farokh Engineer and Clive Lloyd rang the bell on Day 1, as Lancashire County also honoured the two legends by inaugurating a stand named after them.