Lahore Qalandars have roped in former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar as a mentor for the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League.
“I’m honored and privileged to be a part of Qalandars,” Akhtar said after getting the role on Friday (October 6).
The Qalandars have adopted a unique way to nurture the fast-bowling talent as they are not only tapping up the budding cricketers but are also giving them long-term contracts to make sure they evolve their game under the watchful eyes.
Last year, the Lahore-based outfit signed ambidextrous pacer Yasir Jan on a ten-year contract. And reports suggest that the franchise has handed out a similar contract to Haris Rauf – who could bowl at 92 mph is another fast bowler. The Qalandars discovered the bowler during a talent hunt held in Gujranwala.
To ensure that the raw talents do not deviate from the path, the franchise has appointed Akhtar, one of the fastest bowlers of all time, as a mentor and the former Pakistan pace spearhead would share his mentoring duties with Aaqib Javid, another former Pakistan pacer, and now the franchise director.
Akhtar expressed his excitement over the prospect of working work with Rauf before saying:
“Haris is from Pindi and he is the find of Aaqib Javed. Aaqib knows a talent when he sees one.”
The young speedster will now be part of the Qalandars’ development squad that will travel to Australia to play against the Big Bash League (BBL) franchises Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers.
The franchise, meanwhile, will also be hoping that the association with the legendary bowler changes their fortunes. The Lahore-based outfit has finished at the bottom of the five-team tournament in both the seasons, having won 2 and three games respectively.