Wasim Akram questions Eric Simons' appointment

[Block hole]

Wasim Akram has expressed surprise over the appointment of Eric Simons as bowling consultant for the Indian team. "Who is this guy? I never heard of Simons before," Akram told PTI. "I read his [simons'] name in the morning papers and was surprised at the choice. I don't know if he possesses any exceptional coaching skill. If he does, then it's good for India." The BCCI had appointed Simons only for the two Tests in Bangladesh and the subsequent home-series against South Africa. Akram questioned the decision to award Simons a short-term contract, which he believes will not be of much benefit to the team. "These short stints will certainly not help the players. If I tell a few things to the players for a period of two weeks, then I will have to ensure that they are followed or implemented for some time. Only then a coach will get the desired results," Akram said. "I feel a coach should stay with the boys for a minimum period of six to eight months and only then the bowling will show improvement." Akram was also critical of the trend of sub-continental teams looking for foreign coaches and specialists. "I don't understand the fact why do Asian teams employ foreign coaches? And if a South African coach is appointed then why does he bring along a South African guy for the fielding or bowling coach's role," Akram said. India is currently coached by Gary Kirsten, a South African, while Paddy Upton, a prominent member of the support staff is also from the same country. In addition to Simons, Allan Donald, former South African fast bowler, was also in the fray for the bowling consultant role. "A home coach can not only impart good knowledge to the players but can also gel with the players and talk to them in their own language," Akram said.

[Asim]

Yeah, who really he is?

[Asim]

OK, just watched his profile Only 23 ODIs, No Test... First ODI in 1994, last in 1995... But well, may be he have some success somewhere as coach... any ways...

[Desi Cartman]

where do I start ... I guess I should give it a pass

[rahulrulezz]

Wasim Akram would have been great coach for us... In bowlers, Wasim Akram probably has the biggest fan following in India.. I know every leftie bowler in my city wanted to bowl like Akram.. Indians have huge respect for him.. good thing is that Akram understands it too that Indians like him and he resiprocates us by helping our bowlers. be it I.Pathan or ZKhan.. Wasim Akram for Indian coach!!!

[sangrock]

Wasim Akram would have been great coach for us... In bowlers' date=' Wasim Akram probably has the biggest fan following in India.. I know every leftie bowler in my city wanted to bowl like Akram.. Indians have huge respect for him.. good thing is that Akram understands it too that Indians like him and he resiprocates us by helping our bowlers. be it I.Pathan or ZKhan.. Wasim Akram for Indian coach!!![/quote'] poyz will make an issue out of it... and it will become more political than practical.

[Gunner_Mania]

I would have preferred Alan Donald, but then again how many of us thought Gary Kirsten was a great choice when he became India's coach. So you never know.

[Andy]

I would have preferred Alan Donald' date=' but then again [b']how many of us thought Gary Kirsten was a great choice when he became India's coach. So you never know.

There is Hell and Heaven diffrnce between the career of Simmons and Kirsten.

[PotterManiac]

Whatever it is, I really agree with one of those statements....about the short stays.. Why is the BCCI doing this?!

[Gunner_Mania]

There is Hell and Heaven diffrnce between the career of Simmons and Kirsten.

Not all players with great records become great coaches. Some people have the natural skill of man management. Dave Whatmore - Srilanka, Tim Nielsen- Australia

[Andy]

Not all players with great records become great coaches. Some people have the natural skill of man management. Dave Whatmore - Srilanka, Tim Nielsen- Australia

Dats true. Still, i never thought Kirsten wud make an unsecessful recruit.

[DomainK]

Not all players with great records become great coaches. Some people have the natural skill of man management. Dave Whatmore - Srilanka, Tim Nielsen- Australia

++

[PotterManiac]

As I told in one of the other threads...get a fielding coach..probably from SA...and we'll have a SA team management for Indian team!

[Gunner_Mania]

Dats true. Still' date=' i never thought Kirsten wud make an unsecessful recruit.[/quote'] Just looked at your avatar. Sir Alex Fergusson:winky: An average footballer but what a manager. and 'In Arsene we Trust'

[Gunner_Mania]

As I told in one of the other threads...get a fielding coach..probably from SA...and we'll have a SA team management for Indian team!

Jonty?? and while we are it one for runniing between the wickets as well

[PotterManiac]

Jonty?? and while we are it one for runniing between the wickets as well

:cantstop: yeah...but I think Kirsten should work that out

[Sachinism]

There is Hell and Heaven diffrnce between the career of Simmons and Kirsten.

There is hell and heaven difference between being a good player and being a good coach Akram - sour grapes much?

[Ram]

Have you guys noticed this trend? Former Pakistani (and to an extent, Indian) players are among the first ones to unequivocally slam the appointment of foreign coaches to their respective national team. Whether it is Akram, Miandad or even Kapil, they all sing the same tune - 'Why do we need foreign cricketers? What do they know that we dont? And dont even speak our language...' And in the times that they have been given the opportunity to take over their teams as coaches, what have these 'legends' of the game achieved? Almost nothing. Miandad, despite multiple tenures, was a disaster as coach. The current Pakistani coach is Intikhab and we all know how well they're doing off late. And less said about the records of guys like Gaekwad, Kapil, Madan Lal, the better. In fact, Indian cricket started its march towards some semblance of respectability only after John Wright's appointment. Sure, Guru Greg's tenure wasnt exactly a bed of roses, but Kirsten has come in and done exceptionally well.

[champ]

wasim ..seems some sour grapes :winky:

[vvvslaxman]

Is Troy cooley still with some team?