Daily Times

KARACHI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram announced Saturday he would not be the bowling coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) season on account of other “professional commitments and time constraints”. “We will miss Wasim bhai who has been part of the KKR family for the last few years and has played a significant role in our title triumphs in 2012 and 2014,” Venky Mysore, CEO and managing director of KKR, said. “We wish him the very best in all his endeavours.” Akram returned the sentiment, praising the team for its talent, camaraderie and synergy. “I have loved the camaraderie in the KKR team and have enjoyed every opportunity to mentor it over the years. I am surely going to miss being part of the dressing room but I wish the team continued success.”

Akram, who turned 50 in June, joined the KKR coaching staff in 2010. However, he took a break from IPL in 2013 to spend more time with his family. Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Thilanga Sumathipala said they invited the Pakistan swing king to mentor local players in the next two years and visit the island at least twice a year. “We have invited him to be with us in the next two years as our consultant in pace bowling,” said Sumathipala. Akram is also working as the mentor for Islamabad United, the defending champion of Pakistan Super League (PSL). The next PSL season is set to start in February 2017.