Mohammad Akram is the current bowling coach of Pakistan © Getty Images
By Amir Husain
The PCB-UFONE Fast Bowlers camp reached its conclusion on April 21 at Karachi’s National Stadium. This pioneering effort was arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and involved a collection of outstanding Pakistani fast bowlers being provided a rare opportunity to be individually coached by one of Pakistan’s legendary fast bowlers, Wasim Akram.
The camp concluded with the selection of six uncapped bowlers for the Abbottabad camp. The advice offered by Wasim Akram was received with great enthusiasm and judging by the comments Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB, the camp was an unqualified success.
The credit for the success of this camp was rightfully attributed to the presence of one of the best left-arm fast bowlers of his time, but the role of the supporting staff cannot be under-estimated either. Mohammad Akram, the current bowling coach of the Pakistani cricket team, remained by the side of Wasim Akram throughout the duration of the camp, providing the master insight into the skills of many of the bowlers he had mentored whilst on international tours with the Pakistani team.
In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, Akram spoke of his pride in being part of this unique effort and working alongside one of the greats of the game, and also cast some light on the planning that went behind this initiative.
“By the grace of Allah, I am really glad that the camp turned out as we expected. It was very satisfying as I helped plan the camp in detail. Wasim absolutely loved it. His comments regarding the organization were flattering, to say the least,” said Mohammad Akram.
Providing more details of the thought that went into the planning, Mohammad Akram stated: “I tried to design it in a way which allowed us to get the maximum benefit from Wasim Akram in just 10 days — all for the better future of our fast bowling resources. His response to the boys was tremendous and the boys enjoyed it as well!”
Mohammed Akram was appointed Pakistan’s bowling coach in August of 2012 and has built a good rapport with the coaching team headed by Dav Whatmore. His performance has come under some degree of criticism due to Pakistan’s lacklustre performance in South Africa, but Mohammad Akram’s focus is and has always been on improving the fortunes of the bowlers under his charge.
“My doors are open for all senior bowlers to make suggestions and chip in with recommendations without any fear. My mission is clear — as always, I will do anything to protect Pakistan’s bowling resources. It was great to see the likes of Wasim, Waqar [Younis], Aaqib [Javed], Mushi (Mushtaq Ahmed), Basit Ali and Rashid Latif — all standing behind me and encouraging my efforts for a positive change to the image of Pakistani cricket. I would also like to thank the chairman of PCB who is always open to good suggestions.”
(Amir Husain is Senior Editor at PakPassion.net)
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