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Home > Cricket > PTI > Report


Akram keen to serve Pakistan cricket

May 09, 2005 17:31 IST

Former captain Wasim Akram is keen to serve the game in the country but said the Pakistan Cricket Board was not showing any interest in using his service.

"I am keen to be associated with Pakistan cricket in any capacity. But the Pakistan Board has so far not approached me for any meaningful assignment. Which is why I am not directly involved in any role in Pakistan cricket," he said.

Akram, who is currently engaged as a cricket commentator, presenter and host on television since his retirement in 2003, said he was enjoying his work.

"I am also working as a brand ambassador for the sponsors of domestic cricket and also involved in my own business," he was quoted as saying in local daily 'The News' on Monday.

Akram did not agree with former captain Javed Miandad that Twenty20 cricket would destroy the future of Pakistan cricket.

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"I look at Twenty20 cricket as pure entertainment and a way to involve the people in our domestic cricket. It is not about improving techniques but about enjoyment and crowd participation. But definitely Twenty20 cricket can help players prepare for One-day Internationals."

Akram also pointed out that when ODIs were first introduced in world cricket, the purists said, it had no future but it has now become the staple diet for international cricket.

He backed the new format of the game saying it will slowly gain a permanent place in the cricket playing nations.

"I think the Pakistan Board and its sponsors deserve credit for taking the decision to launch Twenty20 cricket in the country in a bid to bring back the crowds to the stadiums.

"The Twenty20 Cup held in Lahore was a massive success and I personally have never seen so many people for a domestic match. The atmosphere was also great and colorful, everyone enjoyed themselves. Something that has been lacking in our domestic cricket," he added.

© Copyright 2006 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

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