Shoaib Akhtar to mentor Lahore Qalandars

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been signed on as a mentor by the Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars.

Akhtar, one of the fastest bowlers in the world during an international career that spanned 14 years, has been roped in primarily to work with the young fast bowlers in the Qalandars' squad, alongside another former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, who is the franchise director.

Last year, Qalandars signed on Yasir Jan, a promising fast bowler who can bowl with both arms, on a ten-year contract. This year, they brought on board another young fast bowler, Haris Rauf, on a ten-year contract. The franchise signed on Rauf after spotting him at a talent hunt in Gujranwala, where he reportedly bowled at 92 miles per hour (approximately 147 kph). Rauf will travel to Australia with the Qalandars' development squad for matches against Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes.

"I'm honored and privileged to be a part of Qalandars," Akhtar said. "Extremely excited and thrilled. Haris is from Pindi and he is the find of Aaqib Javed. Aaqib knows a talent when he sees one."