Pakistan's celebrated allrounder Wasim Akram is set to make his debut in New Zealand where he is expected to play for Canterbury, one of the six district teams that form the first class National structure, in their premier one-day competition, the Shell Cup.
``I have not signed a contract with them (Canterbury) but I am likely to represent them this season. They contacted me on Thursday and sought confirmation which I would give in a couple of days after meeting with the cricket board officials'' Akram told Dawn from Lahore.
The 32-year-old veteran of 80 Tests and 247 one-day internationals said the agreement would be signed after he gets approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
``I would approach the authorities (PCB) for permission before accepting the offer from Canterbury. This is the procedure which has to be followed. ``Initial discussions have already taken place and everything has been decided. I only require the permission of the PCB,'' Akram said.
He said the Shell Cup would start in mid-December ``and I am sure I would be released (by the PCB) because there are no engagements of Pakistan cricket team.''
When pointed out that Pakistan is to tour India early next year, Akram said: ``The Pakistan team is scheduled to leave for India on Jan 21 while the Shell Cup would finish by the second week of January. ``My engagement there doesn't clash with Pakistan's international commitments,'' he said.
Of the present New Zealand team, skipper Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Chris Harris, Chris Cairns and Craig McMillan are from Canterbury.
Akram said a first-class season with Canterbury would not be possible ``because they hire foreign players for one-day competition only. A couple of years ago, Aravinda de Silva played in the same event for Auckland.''
He, however, said it would be an interesting experience playing in New Zealand ``and if I enjoyed it, I certainly would love to go back next year.'' He said cricket in South Africa was out of question because it clashed with Pakistan's domestic circuit.
Akram, who ended his 10-year association with Lancashire this season, said he would decide about his return to the English County Championship in 1999 shortly.
``I have been offered contracts by four counties. Besides, Lancashire has given me a coaching offer and a couple of league teams have also contacted me. ``I have yet to decide where to go. I had a terrific time in Manchester with Lancashire and I expect similar atmosphere wherever I play now.'' he said.
He admitted that he said good-bye to Lancashire for the next year despite being unsure of a place in the World Cup side starting from May 16 in England. ``I hope to play in the World Cup but if I don't, what can I do. The reason for not continuing with Lancashire was that I want to help Pakistan regain the World Cup. Now it depends on the cricket authorities if they need me or not,'' said Akram.
Akram captained Lancashire to NatWest Trophy and Sunday League titles while his county finished second to Leicestershire in the County Championship.
The speedster also clarified his announcement about retirement from international cricket and reversing his decision a week later.
``I retired because I wanted to clear my name. But when Khalid Mahmood (chairman, PCB) promised that indepth investigations are being carried out in the scandal and findings would be released, I decided to return to international cricket. ``The allegations were going on for three to four years and there seemed no end to it,'' he said.
Akram, who is at the centre of betting and match-fixing scandal, said he held no hatred or grudge against any player who named him in the scam.
``What was the motive, I don't know but I have no bad feeling against anyone. ``I have two or three years of cricket left in me and I want to pass it without any more controversies or mud-slinging.'' However, Akram expressed his unhappiness with certain cricket board officials. ``I don't know what grudge they have against me. They have never appreciated my performance and have never motivated me. I have led Pakistan to a 2-0 win over England, the World Series Cup in Australia and a 3-0 win over the West Indies. ``Instead of appreciating my performance, they have tried their best to put me out of the team. ``
Akram vowed that since no one could oust him from the team on his performance ``that's why this flimsy issue was highlighted.''
He was unsure why his name was being implicated in betting and match-fixing. ``The only reason that I can think of is jealousy.''
Akram said he had been kept under mental strain for the last 18 months ``and they have succeeded. I have become diabetic because of constantly thinking what they (critics) were doing to my reputation. ``It's very unfortunate that the reward for my services was the disease which is not even in my family.''
Akram claimed that had his integrity been suspected, he would not have received offers from New Zealand and England. ``They respect me and don't doubt my sincerity. But here, a select group is misusing its powers to tarnish my image.''