Wasim Akram leaves Islamabad United for new PSL franchise

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United is considering various names for the replacement of Wasim Akram, who has left his position as the team's director to be with the new PSL team in Multan.

A spokesman of Wasim Akram confirmed to Geo.tv on Tuesday that he is leaving Islamabad United to sign with a new franchise.

"We have left Islamabad United and somewhere in this week, we will be signing up with a new franchise," Wasim Akram's business manager Arsalan Shah said.

Islamabad United also confirmed Wasim Akram’s departure in a tweet.

"We bid farewell to Wasim, thank him for the first 2 seasons and wish him best for Multan. Watch out for more news on #ISLU's PSL3 strategy," Islamabad United's official account tweeted.

The franchise, however, was reluctant to make any official statement on Akram's replacement. However, sources said that the franchise is considering various names for the vacant post.

"A few names were considered, including Australia's Ricky Ponting, Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya and West Indies' Brian Lara, but nothing has been finalised," said a source privy to the matter.

The source added that Sir Viv Richards' name is also under consideration. Sir Richards is currently with Quetta Gladiators as a team mentor.

Another source added that Sanath Jayasuriya's name has almost been ruled out due to the political commitments of the former Sri Lankan cricketer.

The source further confirmed that former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting also has the backing of the team's current head coach Dean Jones.