Trust me, I'll deliver the goods: Akram

New bowling coach to join team in the UAE today; says experience more useful than qualification.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sprang up another surprise when it named Mohammad Akram as the new national bowling coach but the former fast-bowler firmly believes he has what it takes to deliver the goods.

Akram, with no international coaching experience – a pre-requisite for the job – and having played a handful of international matches, will join the team in the UAE today ahead of the One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 series against Australia.

The PCB had been looking for a bowling coach since the departure of Aqib Javed earlier this year and, following several postponements, the coach-hunt committee chief Intikhab Alam confirmed Akram’s appointment, placing his trust in the former fast-bowler who has played nine Tests and 23 ODIs.

“I strongly believe that courses won’t teach you what experience can,” Akram told The Express Tribune from London. “I’ve been playing cricket for over 20 years and I’ve been in tough situations. I know how to use a new ball and an old ball. I know how it feels to be in the team and out of the team and also how to make a comeback when out of favour. If you’ve been in those situations yourself, you can help youngsters cope with that, no matter what your qualifications are.”

I want to groom youngsters: Akram

Akram is yet to have a discussion with head coach Dav Whatmore – something that he plans on doing today immediately after landing – but confirmed that, apart from his involvement with the national squad, unearthing new talent and working with youngsters and local coaches was his secondary aim.

“Whenever I’m free from national commitments, I’d like to spend time at the National Cricket Academy. It’s only a year-long contract but that’s what I wanted too. I told the PCB to let me have a go and if, after a year, both parties agree, we can talk about the future.”

Akram joins the squad which comprises a mixture of youth and experience – Umar Gul and Mohammad Sami have been omitted from the ODI squad, making way for Anwar Ali and Junaid Khan – but mental toughness will be stressed upon by the new coach.

“If you’re in a good state physically and mentally, it directly affects your performance. I want every player to take the field with a clear head and for that, I will keep individual files containing players’ history.”

Akram also confirmed that he will have a detailed discussion with Aqib while in the UAE in order to help himself hit the ground running – the 2012 World Twenty20 follows the two series against Australia leaving Akram with not much time to settle down in the dressing room.

“Obviously I’ll be doing more coaching courses but for now, I have enough experience. Trust me, I’ll deliver the goods.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2012.