Wasim's wisdom in high demand

Pakistan's former pacer, the legendary Wasim Akram, is doing commentary work with the broadcasters of the Asia Cup tournament.

Many of the legendary players of the 80s or 90s are working alongside him, with Wasim's partner in crime during the late 90s in Waqar Younis also commentating. India's Ravi Shastri and Sanjay Manjrekar are there too and such faces liven up the media centre -- known as the Sky box – in the ongoing tournament.

But it is hard to get a soundbite from Wasim due to his busy commentary schedule although he often asks 'how's it going' while passing through the press box.

On a particularly hot day, this reporter found the Sultan of swing after he finished his pitch side routine before the toss of the India and Pakistan the Super Four stage game.

While discussing the people he met during his visits to Bangladesh, Wasim said: "I haven't been to Bangladesh in 20 years so I don't remember a lot of the people I met.

"It's a very enjoyable place to be though and I have many good friends over there," the former Pakistan captain said before he left as per his commentary schedule.

Wasim's persona shines through as a pure cricketing legend in this Asia Cup. Even though he is commentating on matches, his opinion is valued by those in the game.

Yesterday, it was Chris Silverwood and a few of the Sri Lanka team management that were seen discussing things with Wasim as he walked out to the pitch for a look.

There were a few gestures when talking to a pacer, perhaps indicative of something related to seam and swing.

The Pakistan players were going through the warm-up motions just a few yards away.

Once Wasim said goodbye to the Sri Lanka contingent, it was a few members of the Pakistan team management who held council with him.

Mohammad Yousuf, Pakistan's batting coach, was listening carefully to what his former captain had to say just an hour before the match. Wherever Wasim goes, he keeps blazing a trail.