Kolkata, Dec 10 (IANS): Kolkata Knight Riders oon Saturday announced that bowling coach and mentor Wasim Akram will miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 cricket tournament.

The legendary Pakistan pacer has cited professional commitments and time constraints for his inability to be part of KKR for the upcoming season.

Akram said in a release: "I have loved the camaraderie in KKR team and have enjoyed every opportunity to mentor the highly talented team over the years. I am surely going to miss being part of the dressing room but I wish the team continued success."

KKR Managing Director and CEO Venky Mysore said, "We will miss Wasim Bhai who has been part of the KKR family over the last few years and has played a significant role in our title triumphs in 2012 and 2014. We wish him the very best in all his endeavors."

Akram was appointed the KKR bowling coach in 2010 and has helped the franchise to two titles in 2012 and 2014.

He is credited with grooming India pacers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav as well as Pakistan's Mohammad Amir.

Akram is regarded as one of the greatest pacers of all time, featuring in 104 Tests and 356 One-Day Internationals (ODI) in a 20-year career, picking up 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets.