Wasim ponders life after retirement

Former Pakistan captain and world record holder for the most one day international wickets, Wasim Akram spoke to Wisden Cricinfo on his retirement from international cricket among other things.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, Akram said that he was "disappointed with Pakistan's performance" during the World Cup, which was played in South Africa. "We worked very hard but not even one player performed. Nobody clicked." Akram, obviously disappointed said: "We've been losing since Morocco. We worked really hard, but for some reason we didn't click."

Akram, who recently signed a contract to play for Hampshire pledged his full support to the county. "I hope that this (his signing for Hampshire) will motivate them."

As for his future role in Pakistan cricket, Akram had this to say: "If Pakistan wants me to help, I am willing to help in any capacity. Whenever they want me, I'm there." Fully recognising his responsibility not only to Pakistan but to cricket in general, Akram said: "I have to give back. Cricket has been good to me for the past 18 years."

Both Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi were in St. Lucia for the inaugural cricket Double Wicket World Championship. Pakistan earlier in the day pulled out of their scheduled semi-final encounter with New Zealand due to a severe back strain to Afridi which he sustained on Friday.