Jan. 3 (CRICKETNMORE) - Former Indian fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji was named as the Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach for the 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League on Tuesday. Balaji, who represented Kolkata as a player from 2011 to 2013, has replaced Wasim Akram.
Akram cited “professional commitments and time constraints” for his absence from the upcoming tenth edition of the tournament.
“It’s great to welcome Bala back to the KKR family,” said Venky Mysore, the managing director and CEO of the franchise. “He was an integral part of KKR from 2011-13 and played a key role in helping KKR win the championship in 2012.”
“I had thoroughly enjoyed my stint as a player for KKR and I am delighted to be back to the franchise that I have admired,” said Balaji in a statement after the announcement.
With inputs from Agency