It is believed Canterbury Cricket has decided against a deal with Akram which would have made him available for the Shell Cup for the next three years.

Canterbury Cricket chief executive Tony Murdoch would not confirm yesterday whether Akram was coming.

Asked whether Canterbury was still keen on the 32-year-old playing here, Murdoch replied: ``There are no updates''.

He did say he had been trying to get hold of Akram's manager. A statement is expected soon.

Meanwhile, Canterbury Cricket and Jade Stadium officials met yesterday on a number of issues, including the controversial no pass-out policy.

The policy, which would have prevented people leaving the ground and getting back in for free, was scrapped after a public outcry and a meeting between the Victory Park Board and New Zealand Cricket last Friday.

Board general manager Campbell Prentice said yesterday's meeting with Canterbury Cricket focused on the handling of the issue, rather than the issue itself.

``We decided that communication was vital. Basically we needed to talk more and communicate more (between one another),'' he said.