Wasim Akram: Off to Gloucestershire? Photo © Sajal Mukerjee CricInfo Ltd.

Wasim Akram is considering an offer from Gloucestershire CCC. The west-country team would like him to take on the job of bowling coach, and he is clearly tempted.

Akram is now 34, an age when many fast bowlers are considering retirement. The opportunity of a role that will put less strain on his body, in between his international commitments, is an obvious attraction.

"I am not at a stage where I can play throughout the year non-stop," Akram admitted. "Today If I am to play for Pakistan for the next few years, I have to train very hard individually and pick my matches. God willing, if I remain fit, I see myself playing easily until the next World Cup."

"I have got other offers from some counties also but my priority now is to concentrate completely on Pakistan cricket," he revealed. "However, the Gloucestershire offer allows me the luxury of planning my own schedule as they don't need me full time."

Wasim did suggest that he might continue to play some club cricket in Birmingham though.

"I played league cricket a few months back in Birmingham. It is not taxing, they pay well and it allows me to remain fit."

The news that Akram is planning measures to prolong his international career will come as good news to Pakistan fans. The allrounder also admitted that being relieved of the burden of captaincy had renewed his appetite for the game.

"I am very relaxed now. I go back to the hotel after the match and train for another one to two hours because there is no pressure of having team meetings, thinking about who to play tomorrow. The match strategy and so on."

"Moin Khan is doing a wonderful job and I am just happy to be there for him and give my best on the field."

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