Wasim Akram to train Pakistan pacers

Written By DNA Web Team | Updated:

Pakistan bowling legend and former captain Wasim Akram is to help train fast bowlers for the national team, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Friday.

LAHORE: Pakistan bowling legend and former captain Wasim Akram is to help train fast bowlers for the national team, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Friday.

Wasim, Pakistan's leading wicket-taker who retired in 2003, will supervise a special two-week camp in the eastern city of Lahore from mid-May, Board spokesman Ehsan Malik said.

Wasim's decision comes after new Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said he wanted to emulate him and it will boost Pakistan's efforts to recover after their dismal World Cup.

PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf contacted Wasim in Singapore where he is currently working with sports channel ESPN as a commentator, Malik said.

"The chairman contacted Wasim on Friday and invited him over to help Pakistan cricket and we are very happy that he has volunteered to help," he said.

"Wasim has offered all-out support to the Pakistan team to supervise the camp for young and upcoming fast bowlers.

"He will also supervise a training camp in June for the national team in (the northwestern city of) Abbotabad," the spokesman said.

Wasim retired from international cricket with a world record 502 one-day and 414 Test wickets. He led Pakistan to the runners-up spot in the 1999 World Cup.

He was criticised in Pakistan when in 2004 he went over to arch-rival India and was reported to be helping out Indian fast bowlers.