New Zealand: McKechnie wants fit Akram (14 October 1998)

14 October 1998

New Zealand: McKechnie wants fit Akram

by Rod Dew

Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram would have to be fully fit and committed to playing serious cricket if he was to be of value to Canterbury in the Shell Cup one-day competition, former New Zealand international Brian McKechnie said yesterday.

"I haven't signed with them yet, but I'm likely to represent them this season", says Wasim Akram

McKechnie, the Canterbury convener of selectors, warned that there was a danger of guest internationals treating their visits as a holiday.

"If his visit does transpire then I would expect him to be fully fit for the duration of the series. How you judge that beforehand I don't know."

One of the world's best fast bowlers, Akram, 32, has expressed interest in an off-season contract with Canterbury.

"I haven't signed with them yet, but I'm likely to represent them this season," he said from Lahore.

"I'll be able to give (confirmation) in a couple of days after meeting with cricket board officials."

McKechnie believes players in the team could learn a lot from a player of Akram's stature, but acknowledged he would take the place of someone else who would otherwise be in the team.

"In the past we have looked to promote Canterbury's own.

"We have gone through in the past without our New Zealand players and done well," he said.

McKechnie has no concerns over Akram's involvement in the Pakistani inquiry into betting and match fixing.

"The allegations are unproven. These sorts of allegations have been around for years," he said.

Former Canterbury captain Cran Bull and Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald agree that bringing Akram to Canterbury on a short-term contract would have major benefits.

The main reason behind the proposal was obviously marketing, said Bull. Akram would attract a lot of spectators.

"There are not too many bowlers who can attract crowds but Akram is one who can," he said.

"It sits fairly comfortably with me," said MacDonald.

"It would be a good opportunity for fringe players to rub shoulders with a top international.

"Akram would have obvious spectator appeal, but that is not my priority," he said.

Having Akram was not crucial to his plans, said MacDonald.

"I am philosophical about it. If he comes it will be a great opportunity for young players and will be good for the province.

"But we have been making plans for three months and if he doesn't come then that will be okay too," MacDonald said.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)