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Wasim Akram is set to topple another record Monday when he becomes the highest capped player in One-day Internationals by usurping former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin's 334 appearances.

But the 36-year-old veteran, who is already going great guns, has set his sights on next year's World Cup - which is going to be his last assignment.

"Every match in which I have wore the Pakistan colour is a memorable one. Despite all hiccups and turbulence in my career, it was worth playing for the country," Wasim said Sunday.

Wasim is already the leading wicket-taker with 463 wickets, almost 90 more than his closest rival and compatriot Waqar Younis.

"I never played for records. My ambition was to take wickets. But naturally it is nice to have so many wickets in the bag. It makes me prouder when I look back at my career and recognize that I have done something for the country," he said.

Wasim had three tenures as captain and now believes he has to concentrate on his fitness and stay focussed for the World Cup.

"I enjoyed captaining the country. It was an honour. But now in the twilight of my career, I don't think I can afford extra pressures. I need to concentrate on my fitness and form because these will be the two factors that will keep me motivated to carry on.

"Yes, there was a time when I was not enjoying the game. I don't deny that I even thought of calling it a day. But then I am lucky to have sincere friends, especially my wife Huma, who lifted my morale and helped me get back on track.

"If you ask me what I desperately need now, then the answer is to win the World Cup. I know how it feels to be a member of the World Cup winning team. If I ever think of a return of my achievements, then it's the World Cup. I know the people want it desperately and so do I," he said.

Wasim was the Man-of-the-Match in the 1992 World Cup final. He led Pakistan to the final in the 1999 event where his team lost a lopsided match to Australia.

"Pakistan is a multi-talented team and in my books, it is the favourite for next year's tournament. The boys are working hard on that mission. But we need a bit of luck and support of our fan club to realize the dream," the former captain added.

Most one-day appearances (before the start of Morocco Cup):

334 - Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Mohammad Azharuddin (India).

325 - Steve Waugh (Australia).

295 - Sachin Tendulkar (India).

283 - Salim Malik (Pakistan).

278 - Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka).

273 - Allan Border (Australia).

269 - Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka).

268 - Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan).

265 - Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka).

© Dawn