PCB to rope in Akram for youngsters' help

Lahore, Apr 29 (UNI) With a view to improve the standard of pace bowling in the country, the PCB is looking to rope in legendary bowler Wasim Akram for a brief training camp for up-and-coming fast bowlers here next month.

Yesterday, a PCB official told 'The News' that the Board is in touch with Akram and is hopeful that the former captain will turn up to help the budding pacers at the camp that is tentatively scheduled to get underway at the National Cricket Academy from May 26.

''Wasim Akram is one of our greatest fast bowlers and we are sure that his input (in the camp) would be highly beneficial for our promising young pacers,'' said Zakir Khan, PCB's Director of Cricket Operations.

''He (Akram) also came to a similar camp last year and his input was very helpul,'' said Zakir.

Sohail Tanvir, a left-arm medium pacer, was drafted into the Pakistan squad last year on Akram's recommendation.

Tanvir has since then bowled well to cement his place in the Pakistan squad.

''In fact he was one who helped us identify Sohail Tanvir as an exciting new talent at a previous camp for fast bowlers,'' he added.

Zakir further added that the PCB is hopeful that Akram will also help improve a couple of more talented young pacers, who have recently played international cricket for Pakistan and Wahab Riaz is one such bowler.

''Wahab has shown a lot of promise on his debut and we believe that with a little help from Wasim, he can become as asset for us,'' he added.

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