Wasim Akram to train Sri Lanka pacers ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Sri Lankan bowlers are set to receive training from Pakistani cricket legend, Wasim Akram, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Akram arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to conduct a two-day training program for national players. The program, which starts on Thursday, will also include training for the coaches of the major clubs and the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) High-Performance Coaches (HPC).

Sri Lanka Cricket has initiated this program to bring in the necessary expertise to enhance the coaching strength of the SLC High-Performance Center and the Major Club system in the country. The decision to invite Wasim Akram was taken by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, led by Mr. Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket. The training program will commence on May 2, 2024.

“In total, Akram will conduct five sessions, covering the SLC pace academy, HPC, and major club coaches. He will also observe Sri Lanka’s national players’ preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the SLC stated as quoted by News18.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Pitch installation at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium marks another milestone

Wasim Akram had previously served as mentor to Sri Lanka pacers 

In preparation for their crucial tour of South Africa in 2016, Sri Lanka had enlisted the help of legendary Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram as a mentor. Akram had conducted a day-long coaching clinic in Colombo, which was the first in a series of programs involving foreign experts. Widely regarded as one of the best left-arm pacemen to have ever played the game, Akram holds the record for the most Test wickets (414) and one-day international wickets (502) taken by a Pakistani cricketer.

Also Read: Sri Lanka’s probable 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup journey kicks off on June 3, with a game against South Africa at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The 20-team competition begins on June 2, with the United States facing Canada in the opening match. The defending champions of the T20 World Cup are England, who emerged victorious in 2022.