PCB approaches Inzamam, Akram for special camps

The Pakistan Cricket Board has sought the help of former captains Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq to prepare the national team for the upcoming tours to India and South Africa.

-'Indo-Pak bilateral series must be given iconic status'

-Why Gavaskar is unhappy with Pakistan's tour of India

PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf said that both the former greats had been approached and asked to hold specialized camps.

-India-Pak Champions Trophy match tickets sold out

-Pakistan kick-off India tour with T20 in Bangalore

"The idea is that we utilise the services of these two great players to help our batsmen and bowlers prepare themselves not only for the coming tours to India and South Africa but it will also allow our bench players to improve themselves," Ashraf said.

Pakistan will be in India from December 22 to play two Twenty20 internationals and three One-day matches before moving to South Africa for a full Test tour that will last till March next year.

-PCB confident of top security for team during India tour

-Indo-Pak series could have been longer: Zaheer Abbas

Ashraf said the decision to utilise the expertise of both these players was taken at the meeting of the executive co-ordination committee.

-Tight security for Pakistan cricket team

"We have spoken to Wasim and Inzamam and both have given their consent to have specialised camps," he said.

The PCB chief said the duration and dates for these camps would be decided soon depending upon the domestic calendar and availability of both the players.

"We will give them a group of bowlers and batsmen and while Wasim will work with the bowlers Inzamam will be helping out the batsmen," he added.

While Wasim has held a bowling camp in the past for the PCB, this is the first time that Inzamam, who is the most capped player for Pakistan with 120 Tests and 378 ODIs, will be working on an official assignment for the PCB.

Ashraf expressed confidence that the camps would help the players prepare well for the coming tours.

"I am really heartened by the response of Wasim and Inzamam and their willingness to help the players. They have been great players and their experience will definitely help our players in India and South Africa," he said.

Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images