Basit Ali, the former Pakistan batsman, has urged Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint a bowling and batting coach as soon as possible, so that Dav Whatmore’s job is made easier. The Karachi-based analyst believes that former Test fast bowler; Mohammad Akram is the best choice at the moment to guide the young bowlers. The Green Shirts are without the services of a bowling coach since the series against England, which was played in United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this year. The ex-bowling coach, Aaqib Javed resigned from the post during the tour. PCB has shortlisted some candidates for the role but has not finalised any name. The list includes the former cricketer, Mohammad Akram, who played nine Tests and 23 One Day Internationals for Pakistan in 1990s and 2000s. Quoted by Pakpassion, Basit expressed that the legendary fast bowler, Wasim Akram, could have been the best choice for the country but understands that he has availability issues and cannot travel with the national team throughout the year. In the given resources, the former middle-order batsman thinks that Mohammad Akram is the best option for PCB. “I feel Wasim Akram could have been the best choice but since he is busy, Mohammad Akram is the right man for this job. He has played international cricket and he is a qualified coach as well. Pakistan also should have a batting coach, I think Ijaz Ahmed or Moshin Khan can be given this responsibility,” said Basit. Wasim is currently playing the same role with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which won the recently concluded fifth season. Basit thinks highly of Whatmore but believes that the former Australian cricketer can do a better job with the Pakistan team, if PCB appoints specialist coaches to assist him. He added, “Pakistan must appoint bowling and batting coaches to help Dav Whatmore – we need to have a bowling coach and batting coach with the team. “ Pakistan team is currently touring Sri Lanka, where they have levelled the T20 series and are presently competing in the five-match One Day International series, which will be followed by three Test matches.
