Former legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram has left IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders leaving it in utter dismay. Considering the fact that this decision has come just before the start of IPL-6 schedule serves a huge blow to the Gautam Gambhir led team. KKR has emerged as the winner during IPL-5 season due to the valuable services offered by the celebrated bowler. The KRR camp including owner Shah Rukh Khan are now left stranded with this sudden turnout of events.
The celebrated pacer along with other Pakistani sportspersons has come under sharp criticism with his stay in India with the rising tensions between India and Pakistan due to the border issue involving Kashmir. Meanwhile, it was Wasim who has already made it clear that he would not be involved with the IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders for the sixth edition of IPL citing personal reasons.
Perhaps, the cricketing fraternity sees no foul play in this context as Wasim was involved in a wide range of activities including reality shows and cricket activities throughout India besides being an active commentator for Star Cricket.
Wasim Akram was appointed as the bowling coach and mentor of the Kolkata based side in the lucrative league since three years and was also a part of the core team along with coach Trevor Bayliss in coming up with strategies for the IPL champions during his reign.
According to an official statement released by the Kolkata Knight Riders management board, Wasim Akram has expressed his intention to quit KKR during IPL 6 and has indicated at rejoining the team later since there is a need to spend time with his family as his two teenage sons Taimur and Akbar need his support at the moment.
It is because of the fact that the reason appears to be a sensitive one, the KKR’s team management has immediately heeded to his decision. However, the franchise is now in quandary to find a perfect replacement for the bowler.
Akram formed a strong team of coaching along with the chief coach Trevor Bayliss for KKR. The franchise’s CEO Venky Mysore in a media release issued by the franchise stated: "Wasim Akram will be badly missed. He is a legend and a great motivator to have around the team. However, we fully appreciate the reason why he will be unavailable. We hope to work with him in future."
The team has made another change with the appointment of Joy Bhattacharya, the team director for the previous five seasons, who will now be inducted into the new role of an advisor
Mentioning that an exhaustive schedule has made him to decide this way, Wasim will now spend valuable time with his family since he has been travelling a lot due to his increased media commitments and IPL related work.
A veteran of 104 Tests and 356 ODIs, Wasim Akram will be sorely missed by the players of KKR and the team management as his experience matters a lot.
The legendary cricketer tweeted on his micro blogging site that he would not be a part of KKR during the sixth edition of IPL.
