Worcestershire sign Shoaib Akhtar
Worcestershire have agreed terms with Shoaib Akhtar as one of their overseas players for 2005
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Shoaib, 29, who was the first bowler to break the 100mph barrier when he bowled to Nick Knight in Pakistan's World Cup match against England in 2003, won't be available for the whole season because Pakistan are scheduled to play two Tests and three one-day internationals in West Indies in May and June.
"I'll be rested and raring to go when I start in July," he said, "and, from looking at the players Worcestershire have in their side, [I'm] confident we'll have a successful season." Shoaib played for Durham for the last two seasons, and Somerset in one first-class match in 2001.
"I love playing county cricket in England and I'm really looking forward to helping Worcestershire get straight back into Division One of the Championship and challenge for honours in the one-day game."
Tom Moody, Worcestershire's director of cricket, was excited by the news. "Shoaib creates a huge buzz wherever he bowls," he said, "and I have no doubt he will be a popular member of the squad both on and off the field. He is a world-class strike bowler in both forms of the game, and he will spearhead our drive for success."
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