Saeed Anwar set to join Derbyshire (31 Aug 1997)

31 August 1997

Saeed Anwar set to join Derbyshire

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Aug 30: Pakistan vice-captain Saeed Anwar is set to join a struggling Derbyshire for next season's English county championship. The world record-holder of the highest individual innings of 194 in one-day internationals has agreed on the offer of 75,000 pounds basic salary besides the other incentive worth around 50,000 pounds more. In addition to this, Saeed Anwar will receive an additional amount of 25 pounds for each run he scores after completing 1,000 runs in the first-class event.

Saeed, a computer engineer, has also been offered to skipper Derbyshire in place of Australian Dean Jones who quit the county in the mid-season. Derbyshire are considering to sue Jones for breach of contract. "I am not immediately ready to lead Derbyshire. I have to adjust in the new environment," said the 28-year-old star.

Saeed Anwar agreed on the offer a couple of weeks ago when he was in England on a private visit. The brisk-hitter will be officially signing the contract by next week.

Essex and Hampshire were also interested in the highly talented Pakistan batsman for 1996 but bad health and international commitments restricted Saeed Anwar from making his debut as an overseas star in the English circuit.

"I personally feel that one should avail the opportunity of playing county championship, at least, once in his career," said Saeed, adding: "It may be strenuous or hectic for the bowlers but not for the batsmen. "I had a very productive meeting with Derbyshire committee members, coach and Philip DeFreitas and they were all very happy that I was coming there next year."

Saeed disclosed that Warwickshire had also approached him for next season as Allan Donald was not available because South Africa were coming to England next year. "But I got a better package from Derbyshire and Brian Lara also showed interest in returning to Warwickshire."

Source:: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)