Akram and Azhar agree terms with Surrey

Mohammad Akram and Azhar Mahmood have signed three and one-year contracts respectively to play for Surrey, following the retirement of Adam Hollioake and the departure of Alex Tudor. Surrey are still looking for a spinner to replace Saqlain Mushtaq, who has not been re-engaged after he missed most of the 2004 campaign with a knee injury.

Akram, who last represented Pakistan in March 2001, has previously turned out for Northamptonshire and Essex, but had one year still left on his contract at his last club, Sussex. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sussex and wish them every success in the future." Akram said. "It was a great dressing-room atmosphere." On his move to Surrey, he added "I'm delighted to have signed for what I regard as the biggest club in England. I already know a few of the players, such as Azhar [Mahmood] and I'm looking forward to working hard in the off-season so that we can bring trophies to The Oval next summer."

Azhar himself, who has been an overseas player for Surrey since 2002, took 58 wickets in the Championship this year and was voted Team Player for 2004. He said, "The Oval has become my home over the last few years and I'm very happy to have committed to the club for next year."

Steve Rixon, Surrey's cricket manager enthused: "To have the talents of Mohammad on the field for us next season will be a real bonus. He is a top-quality performer who will relish the sort of pitches produced here at the Brit Oval. We know what we are getting with Azhar, someone who gives 100% and is very popular in the dressing room. To have the both of them playing here at the Brit Oval next summer is very exciting and demonstrates our intention to strengthen the squad."

Two-year contracts were given to Richard Clinton, a opening batsman and son of Surrey's former coach Grahame, and left-arm spinner Nayan Doshi, son of former Indian Test player Dillip, while two brisk right-arm bowlers, Danny Miller and Jade Dembrach, who is a product of their Academy, have agreed to terms.