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Former captain Wasim Akram Tuesday said he was confident that this year would help him lead-up to next year's World Cup.

"I am determined to perform well for myself as well as for the team so that I am on top of my game for next year's World Cup. This year is definitely important and I am taking this as a challenge," Wasim, 36, said at the National Stadium.

Wasim had a poor last year by his standards. In the three Tests, he picked up five wickets while in 12 one-dayers managed just 14.

Wasim survived the axe by the skin of the teeth for the tour to England before he was overlooked for the training camp for the Asian Test Championship.

He found a place in the Asian Test match against Bangladesh but went wicketless while Waqar Younis returned with six wickets.

"I think I bowled my heart out in that match. But luck didn't go my way. At this stage of my career, I need some luck as well to keep myself geared up," Wasim said.

The left-hander admitted that it was difficult to keep one motivated against team like Bangladesh who have lost seven of the eight Tests since getting into the ICC fold in 2000.

"Frankly speaking it is very hard to motivate yourself for series against Bangladesh. But the coach and the captain have done well to motivate the players."

Wasim hoped that his negotiations with Glamorgan were likely to be finalized later this month. But he said he would sign on his terms and conditions.

"I will play on my conditions for Glamorgan because they came to me for a contract. At 36 my body doesn't allow me to play in the gruelling cricket season in England. I want the option of being selective," he said.

Wasim said Pakistan was the only team that can give the toughest fight to Australia. "This year we have a series of matches against them which will prove where we stand and what is the difference between the two teams."

© Dawn