PCB should improve security of players, foreign teams: Akram

Lahore, Apr 23 (ANI): Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has said the PCB should not totally rely on the local administration and take steps itself to improve the security for players and foreign teams.

"They have the required funds. The board must buy bullet and explosive proof buses for players. The players' enclosures should also be bullet proof. And private security guards, like other cricket playing nations are doing, should be hired to protect cricketers." Akram said.

He said the PCB should also show the world what 'concrete steps' it was taking for the security of players. "I think in this way Pakistan might win the confidence of foreign teams."

Replying to a question, Akram said he was willing to don the mantle of the bowling coach, provided he was offered the job.

"I am willing to render my services to the Pakistan team as bowling coach if I am offered to do so and definitely that will be my priority," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

He also said that Pakistan would give tough time to Australia in their one-day international series that started in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday.

Pakistan will play five ODIs and one Twenty20 international against Australia in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Akram said Pakistan had recently played a Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka and they were in a better frame of mind to take on the challenge of the world champions.

"I think Pakistan have a good and fair chance to beat Australia who did not perform well against South Africa in their recently concluded ODI series. Proteas beat Australia 3-2.

Despite the fact that the Australian team would be missing their three top class players in the series, Wasim said Pakistan should not be complacent against Australia.

"The absence of captain Ricky Ponting, middle order batsman Mike Hussey and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will not make much difference to Aussies, as they still have several talented players in the side. They are the only team in the world where players come in and go out and it makes very little difference," he added. (ANI)