Mumbai: By roping in former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood, now a British citizen, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) toughened their bowling strength for the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Mahmood’s solo performances have been average but under old protégé Wasim Akram (bowling coach of KKR), fans can expect some swing magic.
Mahmood played under Akram for more than 10 years in the Pakistan cricket team and together, they have troubled Indian batsmen in many occasions.
With the IPL being in India, it is a boost for the bowler – who, unlike other bowlers from Pakistan, has the features of a perfect swing bowler from England.
He further improved his skills playing county cricket for Surrey and Kent. After receiving the British citizenship in 2011, he was signed up by Kings XI Punjab for the IPL in 2012.
He turned out for Kings XI Punjab in 2012 and 2013 and in 22 matches, he has 29 wickets at an average of 22.72.
Known to be an all-rounder, the right-handed batsman also scored 382 runs including two half-centuries.
Mahmood, along with Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar was a part of the deadly Pakistan bowling attack that uprooted every opposition in the late 90s and early 2000. He was also a part of the Pakistan team that reached the final of ICC World Cup 1999.
(Photo: AFP)
Bollywood superstar and team owner Shah Rukh Khan, who once bought services of speedster Shoaib, must be happy with Mahmood too. He tweeted welcoming the cricketer in the family.
@AzharMahmood11 hope u have a happy time with us my man.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) March 29, 2015
