IPL 2017: Wasim Akram, KKR Bowling Coach, To Miss Upcoming Season
Dec 23, 2018 at 10:58 AM
Kolkata Knight Riders will miss the services of their bowling coach and mentor Wasim Akram for the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise announced through a press release.
As per reports, the legendary bowler has cited professional commitments and time constraints for his inability to be part of the IPL outfit in the upcoming season. This will be the second time that Akram will be missing an IPL season ever since joining the Kolkata-based franchise in 2010. He had missed the 2013 edition to spend time with his family.
Wishing the team luck, he said:“I have loved the camaraderie in KKR team and have enjoyed every opportunity to mentor the highly talented team over the years. I am surely going to miss being part of the dressing room but I wish the team continued success.”
Venky Mysore, CEO and MD of the franchise, has said the team will miss the former Pakistan skipper who has been instrumental in the team’s victorious campaigns in 2012 and 2014.
He said:“We will miss Wasim bhai who has been part of the KKR family over the last few years and has played a significant role in our title triumphs in 2012 and 2014. We wish him the very best in all his endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Hindustan Times has reported Akram’s decision has not been influenced by KKR captain Gautam Gambhir’s comments on cutting bilateral ties with Pakistan after the Uri attacks.
Gambhir had earlier said:” “I would not even think of playing cricket with Pakistan. Indian lives are more important than sports.”
As quoted in the news outlet, when Venky Mysore was asked whether Gambhir’s statement had played any role in Akram’s decision,he said: “Absolutely not.”