``I have informed them about my availability. But I haven't received their consent so far. But I am hoping it in the next couple of days,'' Akram said on Wednesday.

Canterbury had contacted the former Pakistan captain last month but Akram had delayed his confirmation till he received permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

``I discussed the proposal with Khalid Mahmood (PCB chairman) and he has no objection. In fact, he was very considerate but wanted me to be available for the Indian tour,'' Akram said.

Pakistan embark on their first Test tour of India in 12 years on Jan 21 next year and return on March 16 after playing three Tests and five one-day internationals.

``I assured Khalid Mahmood that I would be available for the Indian series which is as important to me as anyone,'' he added.

Akram was one of the key players when Pakistan won the six-Test series 1-0 and one-day series 5-1 when the side last toured under Imran Khan in 1986-87.

The Pakistan star said he was offered captaincy by Canterbury ``but I want to play as an ordinary player. Whoever will be the captain, he will have my full support and cooperation.

``I am at a stage of my career where besides performing for the team, I want to contribute to the grooming of budding pacers. If you have to keep the interest in Test cricket alive, you need to have good and aggressive pacers.

``I have been working on a few Pakistani pacers and they have responded well. But it would be asking for too much from them to start striking immediately. They need a little more time and exposure,'' he remarked.