Muhammad Sarim Akhtar
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Muhammad Sarim Akhtar | |
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| Known for | Disappointed meme |
Muhammad Sarim Akhtar is a Pakistani individual who gained widespread internet fame as a result of a viral meme that emerged during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.[1] His facial expression, captured during a match between Pakistan and Australia, became a symbol of disappointment across social media platforms and in popular culture.[2]
The disappointed meme
[edit]Sarim Akhtar's rise to fame occurred during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, particularly during the match between Pakistan and Australia.[3] In the match, Pakistani cricketer Asif Ali dropped a catch, and the television camera focused on Akhtar, capturing his facial expression of disappointment. This candid moment quickly gained traction on social media, with many users sharing the image and using it as a symbol for moments of frustration or letdown.[4]
The image became an instantly recognizable meme, widely circulated across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Akhtar's expression was often paired with humorous captions, making it a go-to meme for depicting disappointment in a variety of contexts. As the meme spread, it became part of internet culture, leading to numerous remixes and adaptations.[5]
Akhtar's viral moment reached a peak when he was featured in Hong Kong's Museum of Memes.[6] His meme continues to be shared in various formats, remaining popular long after the original event. In 2021, Akhatar launched an NFT project called Dfans or Disappointed fan.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Cricket accounts tweet throwback picture of angry 'Pakistani' fan; he responds". The Indian Express. 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "Recalling how two years ago, Sarim Akhtar became an international meme sensation". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "'Disappointed Cricket Fan': How Australia Vs Pakistan Match Gave Internet its Favourite Meme". News18. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ Team, DNA Web. "VIDEO: Fans go berserk as 'sad meme' man is back ahead of Pakistan's 1st Test vs England - Watch". DNA India. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ Team, WION Web (2021-08-01). "'Disappointed Fan': Viral meme of Pakistani cricket fan gets a place in Hong Kong museum of memes - watch". Wion. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "Viral meme 'disappointed fan' featuring Sarim Akhtar is now a part of Hong Kong Meme Museum". Firstpost. 2021-08-02. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "Known world over as 'disappointed fan,' Sarim Akhtar turns viral meme into NFT business". Arab News. Retrieved 2025-04-25.