Canterbury Cricket's chief executive, Tony Murdoch, said if Akram was agreeable and terms were reached the short-term contract for the Shell Cup would be self-funding through sponsors.
Canterbury is seeking Akram, one of world cricket's best pace bowlers and a handy middle-order batsman, to appear in the domestic one-day series, which runs from late December to February.
Murdoch said Canterbury had an idea of what it wanted to pay for the Pakistan professional's services, and that would be discussed if the proposal progressed further.
Akram, 32, expressed interest in an off-season contract with Canterbury after chatting to Chris Cairns at a World XI match in late July in England.
Murdoch said he hoped to know within a fortnight if negotiations would continue. ``At this stage it's just an exciting possibility,'' Murdoch said. He said Canterbury was contacted by an intermediary regarding Akram's services. ``Things have progressed slowly and are at the tentative phase. He would have to get permission from his board, and it depends if Pakistan has any commitments around that time.''
Canterbury Cricket last season lost $243,000, the largest amount in its history, but Murdoch said this season's funds would not be affected if Akram signed.
Murdoch said Canterbury was looking to boost its playing strength, given that the province's New Zealand players would not be available for most of the season and that stalwarts Lee Germon and Darrin Murray had retired.
``We are slightly underdone in terms of experience without our top players.''
Murdoch said he was conscious that Canterbury's Shell Cup attendances could be affected especially with New Zealand in the middle of an international home series with India.
West Indian star Michael Holding was the last major overseas drawcard signed by Canterbury back in 1987-88. Usually, the province has relied on its depth of home-grown talent although, on occasion, it has been supplemented by the likes of English professionals Wayne Noon and Aftab Habib.
When Canterbury is without its Black Caps, Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Craig McMillan, and Stephen Fleming, it is light on quality all-rounders. However, last season the lesser lights carried Canterbury through to the Shell Cup final.
Murdoch said if Akram was not signed it would not seek another drawcard. Securing name players for the duration of the Shell Cup is not new, with Auckland having had Aravinda de Silva and Graeme Hick in the last two seasons.
Murdoch said Canterbury Cricket was mindful that Akram was involved in an inquiry over match-fixing and betting in Pakistan at present. ``As yet only allegations have been made. There is no proof, so we will keep monitoring that situation,'' he said.