Wasim Akram’s advice that changed Rumman Raees

Pakistan’s medium fast bowler Rumman Raees was one of the emerging stars of the inaugural edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he represented the Islamabad United.

Since his PSL debut, Raees has managed to grab a spot in Pakistan international cricket squad. However, the Karachi born was not your fast bowler material when legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram first saw him.

“When Raees came into our squad in the first edition of PSL, he was bit on a chubby side, so I told him straight away that is not going to work at the international level and he got it straight away,” Akram said. “I obviously changed his food habits and within two months he lost all the weight and became lean,” he added, quoted PSL.

The former Pakistan captain, was also instrumental in shaping up Raees bowling as well, giving the youngster some sage advice along the way. “He was bowling too many variations, I said variation is important when somebody is having a go at you in last two and three overs, but when you need a wicket you got to bowl with pace,” he added.

Raees will be in action in the upcoming PSL third edition, scheduled to kick off from February 22, with inaugural match between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and debutants Multan Sultans.