Pakistan board to approach Akram for help

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that it will invite Wasim Akram, Imran Khan and Aaqib Javed to coach Pakistan's fast bowlers before India's tour in March.

Speaking to the Press Trust of India, a news agency, Rameez Raja, the PCB's chief executive, said: "The PCB has decided to seek the expertise of former fast-bowling greats, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Aaqib Javed to hold special build-up sessions with the present pacers to prepare them for the series against India."

Raja played down the furore in Pakistan about Irfan Pathan's coaching by Akram during India's tour of Australia. "I don't think it is such a big issue," he said. "Wasim is a retired cricketer and highly respected as a quality fast bowler. It is natural that other bowlers like to take advice and tips from him. We just want him to be available for us when possible." Raja added that the board would approach Akram on his return from Australia, asking him and Imran to assist Mohammad Sami, who struggled in New Zealand.

"We want Imran and Wasim to work with him [Sami] and see where he is going wrong," Raja said. Sami took six wickets at an average of 45 in the recent one-day series in New Zealand, but otherwise has 71 wickets in 45 internationals, at an average of 24.77.