Wasim Akram to skip 2017 season of IPL
Bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, Wasim Akram will not be a part of the team for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League. The legendary bowler has said that he won't be available due to his professional commitments and time constraints. KKR chief executive Venky Mysore has said that the team will miss the services of Wasim Akram.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is a former fast bowler from Pakistan. He was part of the Pakistani national team from 1985-2003. Ranked as the best left arm fast bowler of all times by Wisden, Akram has 414 test and 502 ODI wickets. He was the first international bowler to take more than 400 wickets in both ODIs and test format of the game.
Wasim Akram after retirement
Akram has been actively involved as a sports commentator for Star Sports. He has done commentary in different tournaments like 2009 Women's World Cup, 2009 ICC World T20, ICC Champions Trophy and 2011 World Cup.
Wasim Akram's stint as a coach at KKR
Wasim Akram joined Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders as a bowling coach in the year 2010. During his tenure, he coached Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav, who played pivotal role in pace attack for the Indian cricket team. Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL title twice under his coaching, in 2012 and 2014.
I will miss being part of KKR dressing room: Akram
In a statement, Akram said, "I have loved the camaraderie in KKR team and have enjoyed every opportunity to mentor the highly talented team over the years. I'm surely going to miss being part of the dressing room but I wish the team continued success."
