Missing IPL would hurt Pakistan players: Akram

Lahore:

Pace legend Wasim Akram feels if Pakistani players are not able to appear in the next edition of the Indian Premier League, it will compromise their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

"If our players do not play in the IPL for whatever reason it is not only a great loss to them in financial terms but also in cricketing terms," Akram said.

He said since the team has not had much exposure in the recent times, it was imperative that they play in IPL against quality international players before the World Cup.

While IPL-III is scheduled from March 12 to April 25, the T20 World Cup will start in the Caribbean nation five days later.

The fast bowling great has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve all the issue regarding participation of their players in IPL-III.

"Because of the security situation at home our players are not getting as much international cricket as players from other countries. Whatever the cricket board has to do, I would like to see the IPL issue resolved soon," he said.

The IPL organisers have said that Pakistani players can take part in the IPL only if franchises bid for players in the players auction next month.

He felt that if Pakistani players were to miss IPL, it would also not be good for the image of the mega event which is now looked at as a global event.

Akram also spoke on the Pakistan team's tour to Australia and said Pakistan could beat the hosts.

"Yes, definitely, I believe we can do well in Australia because we have a good side and we have a good bowling attack.

Yousuf has done a good job and he has managed to gel the team together which is a good sign.

"I think he is perfectly capable of leading the team to an unexpected victory in Australia," he said.

Akram was of the view that the presence of his former new ball partner Waqar Younis as bowling and fielding coach in Australia would also do a world of good to the team.

"Waqar has loads of experience and a good cricketing brain he will be able to add value to our already good bowling attack he can pass on a lot of good things to our bowlers," Wasim added.

Akram spoke to media after a rare appearance in a local super sixes tournament in his hometown here. It was Akram's first public appearance since the death of his wife, Huma in October after a protracted illness.