Abdur Razzaq is unlikely to play the first few matches of the English season for Middlesex as Pakistan want him for the home series against New Zealand next month, an official said on Wednesday. "We are carefully looking at how and when to allow Razzaq to play in the English season but we need him for our home series against New Zealand," national coach Mudassar Nazar told AFP.

Middlesex have sought urgent clarification as to how much of the season Razzaq is available for after Pakistan's home series against New Zealand, which has been rescheduled to April and May. New Zealand's tour was postponed last year after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

"My top priority is to play for my country but on the same side I would want to fulfil my contract with Middlesex," said Razzaq. "I hope everything is decided in a friendly way."

"I will try to convince the county to release me for the short one-day series against Australia in July and hope that I will make it," he said.

The 21-year-old Razzaq is a key member of Pakistan's Test and one-day squad. "Razzaq's contract allows him 30-35 days away from county duties so we would sit down and work out how to utilise those days," Nazar said.

Pakistan will play two Tests and three one-day internationals against New Zealand between April 20 and May 12. The English county season begins in the third week of April. "Someone will definitely talk to Middlesex officials Wednesday and work out the details," Nazar said.

Pakistan are also due to play Australia in July and in the ICC knockout tournament in September. If Razzaq appears in both, Middlesex are bound to suffer. But Nazar added: "We may not need him for the short one-day series against Australia so he would be free to play in England."

Razzaq played a key role in Pakistan's tri-series runners-up finish in 1999-2000 and was declared player of the series.

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