KARACHI: Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has agreed to render his services for training of upcoming pace bowlers twice a year, according to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar M. Khan at the conclusion of the specialised camp here on Thursday.

The PCB chief, who was accompanied by Wasim, camp commandant Mohammad Akram and sponsor’s representative Philip Shin while addressing a media conference at the National Stadium, expressed his gratitude to the former national skipper for expressing his willingness to take up the offer which would enhance the quality of pacemen in the future.

“There is no doubt, whatsoever, in my mind that the availability of Wasim would immensely benefit Pakistan cricket.This is indeed great news for us because by engaging someone like Wasim to train the youngsters is one aspect [fast bowling] of our cricket that will obviously improve,” Shaharyar said.

“I have known Wasim since 1999 when he led on the Indian tour where I was the team manager and have developed excellent rapport since then. I met him during the World Cup this year to find out whether he would be available for this camp.

“As Wasim told me then that he would be free in August, we all decided to arrange this wonderful training camp. Having such a legend is a blessing for Pakistan cricket.

“Wasim had always wanted to serve Pakistan cricket and this time we are very happy that he has readily agreed to specifically come here twice in a year to train our talented youngsters,” the board chairman added.

Shaharyar, however, was vocal in stating that players with poor fitness levels won’t be allowed to play either domestic or international cricket.

“I have received disturbing reports from various quarters on fitness issues. Compared to the rest of the world, the [fitness] level of our cricketers is poor I would say. Therefore, we are not going to allow anyone play unless they are declared fit for the game,” Shaharyar warned.

“We have already strictly instructed the regional selectors to strike down from the teams such players who aren’t meeting required levels. And if they are found wanting, action will be taken against the regions for selecting them.

“There is no doubt about the talent found in Pakistan cricket but individually if someone pays no attention to his fitness and what is the point in having them on the field,” he asked.

“After having briefly seen a number of bowlers in this camp, I can say our future is bright.”

Shaharyar lauded the sponsor of the PCB-LG Super Speed Program — the official nomenclature of the specialised training camp — while hoping the partnership continues in the future as well.

“Without sponsorship it won’t be possible to organise such camps. It’s like a car and if there is no petrol in the tank it would not run on the road. So we need the sponsors to run our cricket on a sound footing,” he emphasised.

Wasim said it was a privilege to train the 17 bowlers under his charge and while stating he owed Pakistan a lot.

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment during the past 13 days. The passion I saw in the eyes of trainees was simply amazing,” Wasim, who claimed 916 wickets in international cricket, observed.

“I mean the enthusiasm I noted among the youngsters was brilliant. They were so eager to grasp what we taught them. To come from remote areas is itself a huge achievement and these young players have again proved that Pakistan is full of talented people.

“I will be extremely happy to make myself available for future camps because in my view, I owe Pakistan a lot and this is only one small contribution. Everything that I have is just because of Pakistan,” Wasim added.

Mohammad Akram, the head coach of the National Cricket Academy, wholeheartedly thanked Wasim for taking time from his busy schedule for the camp.

“Wasim needs no introduction. He was awesome the last time he was here [in April 2013] and again his presence contributed to a very successful camp. We hope to have him back soon,” Akram, himself a former Pakistan fast bowler, said.

Shin, in a brief sentence, pointed out Wasim as global legend and he was honoured to meet the greatest left-arm fast bowlers to play international cricket.

Meanwhile, the PCB chief indicated that ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers Oman and Hong Kong were likely to play in Pakistan before competing in the event which takes place in India next year.

“I had fruitful meeting with their officials during my visit to Britain recently. We have invited them to visit Pakistan and they are willing to do so. Hopefully, we are trying to have them play in Karachi as well because we want to rid of the stigma ‘PCB only organises top matches in Lahore only’ as soon as we can,” Shaharyar remarked.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2015

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