Akram fumes after Warne move (12 Aug 1997)

12 August 1997

Akram fumes after Warne move

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

WASIM Akram is considering his future at Old Trafford after Lancashire's shock move to sign Shane Warne.

Lancashire have guaranteed Wasim that his contract and benefit will not be affected even if they do sign Warne, and are set to offer him a position as bowling coach, but Wasim said: "I'm not happy about the situation.

"I accept that the club had to do the best for the team and I appreciate that I haven't played this season because of my injury.

"But the surgeon is confident that my shoulder will be fine. The operation was successful and it should be stronger than ever.

"I will be playing for Pakistan in the winter and I wanted to come back to Old Trafford to fulfil my contract as a player next year.

"I think I could win as many championship matches as Shane Warne. He is a great bowler, but he has never played in county cricket."

Lancashire are so keen to sign a leg spinner, they may even turn to Kent's Zimbabwean Paul Strang if Warne turns them down.

Strang has been a big hit in his first season in county cricket, but the 27-year-old may still be available as he only joined Kent as a temporary replacement for Carl Hooper.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)