Wasim Akram leaves Islamabad United to join Multan for the next edition of PSL

Veteran left-arm pacer, Wasim Akram is all set to join the Multan Tigers franchise for the third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL). In the previous editions, Akram held the position of a cricket director for the Islamabad United franchise. The Islamabad-based team was crowned the champions in the inaugural edition.

The flagship T20 league was inducted in 2015 and consisted of six franchises nominally representing cities in Pakistan. However, owing to the security issues in the country, the first season of the league operated entirely in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But to send across a message the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted the final of the second edition in Lahore. Peshawar Zalmi is the current champions, having won the second season by defeating Quetta Gladiators.

Importance of PSL

Speaking on the perks of the league, and how it will bring about a change, Akram said, “Generally, it is good to be onboard. It will help Pakistani Cricket. In future, it will help Pakistani players. It will help Pakistan’s coaching staff, not only financially but they will gain experience while playing with cricketers from all over the world, playing at different places, different wickets and in different teams. That will eventually benefit Pakistan.”

Wasim Akram, the 51-year-old former Pakistani cricketer is acknowledged as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation and arguably the greatest left-arm pacer of all time. In 2013, Akram became the first and only Pakistani cricketer to be named in the all-Test World XI. He is also considered to be one of the founders and perhaps the greatest exponent of reverse swing.

Mastery over swing and seam was his forte. The ability to move the ball both ways made Wasim a constant threat to batsmen. He was the first bowler to reach 500 wickets in ODI, a mark that was later surpassed by legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.