New Delhi, Oct 20: Legendary Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram today started a new chapter of his illustrious career, joining hands with ESPN-Star Sports as a presenter and commentator. The highest wicket-taker in one-day cricket with 502 scalps, Wasim inked the deal, which will see him join the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Geoff Boycott in the "few good men" commentary team, at a brief function here.
Welcoming him to the fold, managing director of ESPN-Star Sports R C Venkateish said Akram was a "likeable TV personality" who would "add respect" to their already illustrious commentary team.
Akram, who quit from all forms of the game in May this year, said he has had a long and satisfying playing career and he was now looking forward to the "challenge" ahead.
"It is an interesting way of staying in touch with the game. I hope I will be able to do justice to it," said the left-arm genius.
"Wherever I went to play people wanted to know my opinion on so many things related with the game. But I stayed away from it because as a player my job was to play and not comment.”
"(Now) I have a perfectly credible platform to air my views....I owe it to my fans and I have to earn a living as well," the charismatic bowler said.
Akram left for Dhaka immediately after the function to take up his first assignment as commentator for the England- Bangladesh series starting tomorrow.
The former speed demon will also be involved with India's three-month tour of Australia starting in December. Bureau Report