Akram's late swinger

Wasim Akram (L) & Lokesh Sharma

Pakistan's former cricket captain Wasim Akram says that he may "gulp" down a soft drink for a commercial but never really drinks it as he's diabetic.

He will, perhaps, be doing just that and much more in India as well. On November 14, he will appear for a Diabetic Awareness Walk organised by Biocon Insulin. A week later, he will be at a golf tournament. He will also be regularly seen at charity balls and, of course, in several TV commercials.

To handle his business affairs in India, Akram has signed a one-year contract with Delhi-based sports management company Twenty First Century Pvt Ltd (TCM).

"Cricket is the only sport which gives hope of winning and, typically, corporates like to support the winners," said Lokesh Sharma, managing director of TCM at a press meet in Delhi.

TCM's client list includes Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif, Parthiv Patel and Hemang Badani. This is the first time it will represent a foreign cricketer.

Besides homegrown cricket stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Virendra Sehwag who endorse products from motorcylces to soft drinks, Indian advertisers also use players like Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee for brand endorsements.

He said Akram has been signed up as he is both articulate and has a likeable image. In the UK , friend and lawyer Nanesh Desai handles Akram's business affairs while Karachi-based All Rounder Sports looks after his commercial interests in Pakistan. TCM will now be totally responsible for his endorsements in India.