Date:15/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/15/stories/2008051555892200.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Akhtar needs to be dealt with firmly: Akram

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said on Wednesday that Kolkata Knight Riders coach John Buchanan had shown that maverick speedster Shoaib Akhtar needed to be “handled more firmly and professionally” to get the best results out of him.

Akram also said he was vindicated in saying that Akhtar’s performance was boosted by big crowds and attention.

“I had said Shoaib has the ability to perform in the IPL. He is the type of cricketer who is boosted by big crowds and centre stage. But the way Buchanan handled him also shows that he needs to be handled more firmly and professionally to get the best results out of him,” Akram said. — PTI