``This year has been a very difficult one for me. The future assignments of Pakistan are also very tough. So I have decided to turn down the offer,'' Akram said from Lahore on Wednesday.

Akram admitted that the offer was handsome ``but I think at this stage my priorities are different. I need sometime away from cricket.

``I plan to spend a good holiday with my family, relax and return afresh for the tour of India and follow it up by next year's World Cup.''