NEW DELHI
Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram on Monday stepped down from the post of mentor and bowling coach of IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders citing personal reasons.  Akram has been an integral part of the team for the past three seasons and also been a part of the core team along with chief coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Gautam Gambhir that helped in devising the strategy for the champion side.
According to team management, Akram has expressed his desire to spend more time with his family as his two sons Taimur and Akbar are barely in their teens. Akram has been leaving out of suitcase for a number of years now due to his increased media commitments as well as the hectic travelling and camps related to Indian Premier League. KKR CEO Venky Mysore in a media release issued by the franchise stated: “Wasim Akram will be badly missed. He is a legend and a great motivator to have around the team. However, we fully appreciate the reason why he will be unavailable. We hope to work with him in future.” Meanwhile, Indian team’s fielding coach Trevor Penney, who has earlier worked with the now defunct Deccan Chargers will be joining KKR as their fielding coach.  In another minor development, Joy Bhattacharjya, the team director for the previous five seasons will now be seen in the role of an advisor (content development and management). Adrian Le Roux, Andrew Leipus and Vijay Dahiya will however remain in the support staff.