Wasim Akram to not be a part of KKR team for IPL 2017

Former Pakistan legend Wasim Akram who has been an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coaching team for a long time coaching and mentoring the team will not be a part of the franchise for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Akram said that he will miss IPL 2017 due to “professional commitments and time constraints”.

KKR in a press release mentioned, “Bowling Coach and Mentor, Wasim Akram will miss the upcoming IPL 2017 season. The legendary all-rounder has cited professional commitments and time constraints for his inability to be part of KKR for the upcoming season,”

Akram who is currently with the Sri Lankan team as the bowling consultant for the tour of South Africa will not be able to manage time out from his professional commitments to be a part of the IPL this season. 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.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the KKR team Venky Mysore, “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 endeavors.”

Over the years KKR under Akram and skipper Gautam Gambhir has emerged as one of the most competitive sides in the league. Having won the title twice they have also been in contention for most editions. Kolkata has one of the best bowling line-ups in the tournament with the likes of Umesh Yadav, Morne Morkel, Andre Russell and Jaydev Unadkat forming the pace bowling attack for the team.