Akram to don mentor's cap in KKR

Describing Wasim Akram as a legend, Kolkata Knight Riders coach Dav Whatmore said the former Pakistan captain will play the mentor's role in the team's campaign in the third edition of the Indian Premier League.

Talking to the reporters on the sidelines of KKR's week-long camp, which began at the Calcutta Football and Cricket Ground on Friday, Whatmore said, "Akram is a legend in world cricket. His role in the team will be that of a mentor and his service will be immensely valuable."

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Bengal players captain Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha attended the camp that focussed on drills and fitness training.

:We have organised this camp to get into Twenty20 mode. Moreover, this will help us assess our level of fitness ahead of the tournament," the 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lanka coach said.

Dates of KKR's camp are clashing with the East Zone camp for the Duleep Trophy, to be held at the Jadavpur University ground from January 11, but Whatmore said he would have no problems in releasing the players.

The IPL-III T20 extravaganza will be held from March 12-April 25.

The Shah Rukh Khan-owned side finished at the bottom of table last year while in the inaugural edition the team placed second last.