Maratha Arabians find a mentor-coach in the form of Pakistan's Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan left-arm pacer and arguably one of the best exponents of swing bowling Wasim Akram will be the mentor and the coach for the Maratha Arabians in the upcoming T10 Cricket league. The league will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The left-arm pacer is expected to arrive in the country, on November 5 for the T10 players draft and will personally pick the team combination for Maratha Arabians.

Speaking to Gulf News, Parvez Khan, the owner of the Maratha Arabians team and chairman Pacific Ventures, said: “We are delighted to have Akram as our team’s mentor and coach. There is no one better than Akram who knows the Sharjah stadium conditions best as he has produced some of his splendid bowling spells there. His knowledge will be of great help to everyone in the team.”

The duo of Virender Sehwag and Wasim Akram

The team has already roped in the former Indian swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag as the captain, and the icon player of the squad and Akram’s experience would only boost the chances of the side’s victory in the T10 League.

“Akram’s presence will be a big boost to all the players in the team as they would also be able to take tips from him. The knowledge he has passed on to many bowlers have made them very good effective pacers,” added Khan.

The Arabians’ is currently owned by Saudi Arabia born Ali Tumbi, who is the owner of Aqua Properties. Alongside Ali, is Salman Khan’s brother Sohail Khan who is the co-owner of the franchise. In the owners’ Pick Order Draw held last week, Maratha Arabians team have won the rights to make the first pick during the players’ draft on November 5.

Akram’s past experience

“Akram has been the coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders and hence this role will be nothing new for him. Akram has helped many Indian pacers in the past, will do the same with Maratha Arabians players from the different countries. Akram’s presence will also convey the message of peace between India and Pakistan.” Khan concluded.

The first edition of the league would see legends such as Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi and many more in the playing XI for the various teams in a unique 10-over battle between the franchises.