Islamabad, Apr 28: Concerned over the dearth of quality spinners in the country, chief selector Wasim Bari has recommended to the Pakistan Cricket Board to invite legendary Indian left-arm spinner Bishen Singh Bedi for a special training camp for upcoming bowlers. Bari said he has proposed that a specialised spinners' clinic be held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore under the supervision of Bedi and homegrown former stars Iqbal Qasim, Mushtaq Muhammad and Abdul Qadir.
"Bedi is still considered as one of the finest exponents of spin bowling and we feel his presence and tutelage would benefit our youngsters a lot," Bari was quoted as saying by the local daily 'The News'.
He said the proposal was to pick a group of seven to eight of the best spinners of all categories for specialised training.
The chief selector's recommendation is seen as a significant change of mindset as PCB officials had reacted angrily on reports that fast bowling great Wasim Akram could take up as India's bowling coach.
"Pakistan is not short of talent in pace bowling department. More and more youngsters are coming through. But we have lacked quality spinners for a while now and we need to address this problem urgently to take home advantage," Bari, a former wicket-keeper, said.
Bureau Report