Notts welcome Shoaib

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club are delighted to welcome the fastest bowler in the world, Shoaib Akhtar, as their overseas player for the remainder of this season.

The arrival of the Pakistan pace star ends months of speculation and doubt over whether the 24-year-old would be able to take his place in the team at Trent Bridge.

But after being released from a hectic schedule of international touring commitments, we are thrilled the Rawalpindi Express has finally arrived in Nottingham.

Notts' Cricket Manager Clive Rice said: "Although doubts might have been raised at times during the winter, I have always been relaxed about the fact that Shoaib Akhtar was coming to Trent Bridge."

"All my conversations with Shoaib have been nothing but positive and I am delighted he has now arrived."

"He knows what Imran Khan, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram have done in county cricket and the challenge he has to consider now is can he do better than them?

"Of all the young fast bowlers in the world, he has to rate among the three most exciting and I think he will be great for cricket in this country. A lot is expected of him but I believe he is capable of delivering."

Rice has also confirmed that, fitness permitting, Shoaib will go straight into the Outlaws team for the Norwich Union National Cricket League floodlit game against Warwickshire Bears at Edgbaston tomorrow.

Notts supporters will then have their first opportunity to see Shoaib in action at Trent Bridge from June 7-11 when Worcestershire at Hampshire are the visitors.

The prospect of seeing Shaoib, Glen McGrath and Shane Warne in those matches promises to create tremendous interest and attract big attendances.