(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The most feared left-arm pace bowler of his time Wasim Akram has agreed to join his former Pakistan teammate Azhar Mehmood for a day at the camp.
Azar Mahmood and Will kitchen during the Press conference at the iCC Cricket Academy in Dubai.— Supplied photo
Dubai — One of the finest left-handed all rounder and a Pakistan’s cricket’s living legend will impart his knowledge for youngsters at the world’s first Twenty20-specific five-day coaching camp at the ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City from Friday.
The most feared left-arm pace bowler of his time Wasim Akram has agreed to join his former Pakistan teammate Azhar Mehmood for a day at the camp.
Azhar a key all rounder for Pakistan in his playing days believes that young residents of the UAE will benefit immensely from this camp that ends on November 1. “There are specialists available for different aspects of the game during the camp” he pointed out.
Akram has his finger absolutely on the pulse of Twenty20 cricket. He has been working as a mentor and consultant for the current Pepsi Indian Premier League champion team the Kolkata Knight Riders.
While addressing a Press conference along with ICC Academy manager Will Kitchen Azhar said: “To have someone of Wasim’s (Akram) standing in the game and someone so closely connected with Twenty20 cricket joining us is a huge bonus.”
“I am sure those players who are lucky enough to interact with him will be hanging on his every word. His presence alongside myself and the ICC Academy coaches led by Mudassar Nazar will ensure a fantastic experience for all those lucky enough to take part.
“I cannot wait to get started and we are all set for a great week.”
Twenty20 cricket is often criticised for lack of technique but Azhar refused buy this argument “This format of the game needs more skills than other formats. T20 has brought innovation in the game and has a great impact on the Test cricket” he reckons.
“There is no doubt that Test cricket is irreplaceable and is the real test of somebody’s character and skills” he however added.
“Dubai has got the best facilities and whoever comes here gets impressed by the atmosphere” the England-based all rounder said. “Cricket has given me everything and now I want to pay something back to the game” he said in reply to a question about his reasons for getting involved in coaching.
“The game has changed a lot and since I have seen it very closely I may be able to teach the kids some skills through such camps.”
“Top T20 performers like David Warner and Virender Sehwag are successful Test players. You need basic technique to succeed in cricket and AB de Villiers is the best example. “He can score 27 runs in the last over and he can put his anchor down while playing in a Test. It is unfair to say that T20 is destroying the game.”
“The ICC Cricket Academy has got the best facilities and with top coaches in our ranks we can provide ideal atmosphere to learn the tricks of the trade” said Kitchen.
“The presence of Azhar and Wasim will be a great chance for the youngsters to learn how to play the most followed format of the game. It will be exciting time for the youth of the UAE to join the camp in the company of Wasim and Azhar.”
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