Kolkata, Feb 26 (IANS): Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram stepped down as the bowling coach and mentor of IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) citing personal reasons, a team release said Monday.

"Wasim Akram will be badly missed. He is a legend and a great motivator to have around the team. However, we fully appreciate the reason why he will be unavailable. We hope to work with him in future," KKR chief executive officer Venky Mysore said in a media release.

According to the team management, Wasim Akram decided to step down as he had expressed his desire to spend more time with his family. Akram has been an integral part of the team for the past three seasons.

The franchise also announced Team India fielding coach Trevor Penney as their new fielding coach.

The rest of the staff comprising head coach Trevor Bayliss, assistant coach Vijay Dahiya, physio Andrew Leipus and strength trainer Adrian Le Roux remain intact.