Wasim Akram shot at in Karachi

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has escaped unhurt after a gunman fired upon his car in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi.

Akram was en route to the National Stadium in Karachi for a coaching clinic when another vehicle tried to run him off the road before opening fire, according to the former fast bowler's manager.

Akram later played down the incident as "road rage" and told local media he was "in shock".

"A car crashed into my vehicle and when I asked him to pull over, he stepped out and opened fire. His appearance resembled that of an official," Wasim was reported to have told local media.

"He was definitely an official, I have noted the number of the car and given it to the police.

"It was just a road rage incident which can happen even in the best countries of the world."

Karachi police were said to be attempting to locate CCTV footage of the incident and track the vehicle through the number plate details supplied by Wasim.

The 49-year-old former fast bowler was not shot - it had been reported the bullet hit a tyre of Wasim's vehicle, although this had not yet been confirmed by official sources, and recorded the car's number plate before it sped off. Police were quickly on the scene and Akram was with them at the stadium. 

"I did not have any (warning of an attack)," Wasim told Geo News.

"I was going to the stadium to attend the camp when this incident took place. I have noted the number of car and given it to the police."

Wasim's manager, Arsalan Hyder, told ESPN: "Wasim was driving himself, and the car next to him tried to jam his car to one side and opened fire.

"He did not get hit, he is now at the National Stadium, dealing with police formalities," Hyder said.

Wasim had been expecting to lead a training session for about 20 of the brightest young Pakistan fast bowlers from across the country unearthed by a Pakistan Cricket Board talent search.

Wasim was born in Lahore, Pakistan's capital, but now bases himself in the country's most populous city where he lives with his Australian wife and children .

Karachi is one of Pakistan's most violent and unpredictable cities, racked on a daily basis by ethnic, political, sectarian and criminal bloodshed.

The 49-year-old Wasim, Pakistan's all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 414 in 104 matches, is one of the country's best-loved sportsmen.

FROM THE VAULT: Wasim Akram had the ball on a string at the MCG in 1990, as he picked up 11 wickets and went a ways to establishing his place among the all-time greats

He retired from playing in 2003 and has been involved in media and coaching since.

Along with right-arm partner Waqar Younis, he formed one of the most-fearsome fast bowling partnerships in cricket history, leading Pakistan to their sole World Cup title in 1992.

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