Akram takes break as KKR bowling coach

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Wasim Akram will not be available this IPL season because he wants to spend more time with his family. Akram has been with Knight Riders, the IPL champions, for the last three seasons, forming the coaching unit along with chief coach Trevor Bayliss.

"Wasim Akram will be badly missed," Knight Riders' chief executive Venky Mysore said. "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."

Knight Riders appointed Trevor Penney as their fielding coach. Penny is presently fielding coach of the Indian team and also worked with Deccan Chargers, a former IPL franchise.

The sixth season of the IPL begins on April 3.