Cricket in the US is currently played on a regional basis

He believes there is a huge potential market for the game but action not words is now needed from the International Cricket Council.

"It has to start delivering practically and giving proper funds to the development of the sport," he said.

The ICC is still considering the possibility of staging some games in the US during the 2007 World Cup.

The West Indies will be the main hosts of the tournament but Florida has also been suggested as a possible venue.

"On paper you can do a lot, but unless the ICC designates funds it would be difficult for the United States to figure prominently in the next World Cup, let alone field a competitive outfit in the tournament," said Wasim.

There is a lot of interest because of the diversification of cultures Wasim Akram

He has taken part in double wicket tournaments in New Jersey and Houston in the past, and plans to organise a series of World XI v Asian XI games in New York next year.

"Hopefully we will have the top players, including Indians, involved and it will boost cricket in the States."

The US team will be taking part in the ICC Trophy in Ireland in 2005, which carries qualifying places for the World Cup.

They finished seventh at the last tournament in Toronto two years ago.

Americans don't give two cents for cricket From Allen Have your say on TMS

Wasim, meanwhile, retired from international cricket earlier this year having taken a record 502 wickets in one-day internationals for Pakistan, and 414 in Tests, as well as scoring more than 6,500 runs.