One of the world's greatest fast bowlers has confirmed that he will be playing in Darren Gough's benefit match at Don Valley Stadium.

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram will line up alongside a host of other household names on Thursday August 30 for the Rest of the World XI against Gough's All Stars in the 40-over Costcutter International Challenge, sponsored by Costcutter Supermarkets UK.

The two have been best of friends as well as best of enemies for nearly a decade since Gough made his international debut in 1994. Wasim has been around a lot longer since beginning his Test career as a teenager in 1984.

Barnsley-born Gough, aged 30, is England's seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test Matches. He is delighted that Wasim has accepted his invitation to play in his benefit game.

'Dazzler' said: "I've known Wasim a long time, playing against him regularly. Over the years we have built up a strong friendship and we both respect what the other can do on the cricket pitch.

"Wasim has never given me an easy time, either batting against me or bowling at me, and I'm sure he'll be just as competitive when he is playing at Don Valley for the Rest of the World XI."

Wasim is widely regarded as the best left-hand bowler to have played the game. Alongside new ball partner Waqar Younis Pakistan stormed to victory in the 1992 World Cup and he is the only player to have taken more than 400 wickets in both Test Match cricket and One-Day Internationals.

Ian Townsend, chief executive of The Medical House plc and a member of Darren Gough's Benefit Committee, said: "This is great news. Wasim is one of the legends of the modern game. We're delighted that he has agreed to play in the match."

The day/night game at Don Valley is the highlight to a year of activities to mark an outstanding ten-year career in professional cricket for Darren Gough at both national and county level for the England team and Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

The quality of the two teams means the game will rival any first-class match the season's fixture list can offer. Umpiring the game are Dickie Bird, who has agreed to come out of retirement, and current international umpire John Hampshire.

Tickets are available for the match now from the box office on 0114 2565657. Price Pre event sales - Grandstand £14 Adult, £7 U16, Other Areas £10 Adult, £5 U16 On the day of the game at the gate - Grandstand £17 Adult, £8.50 U16, Other Areas £12 Adult, £6 U16.

© CricInfo Ltd.