Waqar and Wasim for NCA?

The twin W's have plenty of wisdom to pass on © AFP Enlarge

The Pakistan Cricket Board is keen to utilise the experience and expertise of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis at their National Cricket Academy as and when possible. The twin W's, who comprised one of the most formidable fast-bowling pairings in the history of the game, had been contacted in this regard, a report in The News of Karachi suggested.

The academy is aiming to be more result oriented, and the PCB felt that Wasim and Waqar would be able to help in identifying fresh talent and grooming promising youngsters. "Shaharyar (PCB chairman) has written to them that he realises that since they are busy people and have prior commitments as television commentators they can't make themselves available on a full-time basis at the academy," a board official is quoted as saying. "But he has invited them to come whenever possible and help train youngsters."

Akram has been sought out around the world, including most recently in India, to speak to young bowlers and pass on his wisdom. Not long ago Waqar was tipped to become fast-bowling coach of Pakistan but that fell through at the last moment as there was disagreement about the duration of his contract.