KKR announces Wasim Akram will miss IPL 2017

Kolkata: Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram, who has been the mentor and bowling coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League, is all set to miss the 2017 edition of the IPL because of "professional commitments and time constraints."

Venky Mysore managing director and CEO of KKR, confirmed the news, saying that the team would miss Akram who had played a pivotal role in guiding the side to victories in 2012 and 2015.

"We will miss Wasim bhai who has been part of the KKR family over the last few years and has played a significant role in our title triumphs in 2012 and 2014. We wish him the very best in all his endeavours," ESPNcricinfo quoted Mysore as saying.

Akram, on the other hand, also admitted that he would miss being a part of the team but wished them luck for the upcoming edition.

"I have loved the camaraderie in the KKR team and have enjoyed every opportunity to mentor the highly talented team over the years. I am surely going to miss being part of the dressing room but I wish the team continued success," the former pacer said.

Akram, who was a member of the KKR coaching staff since 2010, had previously taken a break from the IPL in 2013 in order to spend more time with his family.

The 10th season of the IPL is slated to begin from April 5 next year.