By Paul Grunill

If circumstances had been different, Mohammad Akram could have been playing for Pakistan in their home series against India.

Akram played in nine Tests for Pakistan from 1995 to 2001

Instead, pace bowler Akram will be helping Sussex try and retain the County Championship title they won for the first time amid joyous scenes at Hove last summer.

The south coast county beat off competition from Essex, Durham and Gloucestershire to Akram's signature, which was especially prized as he is now a UK resident and not subject to overseas player restrictions.

He spent part of last summer with Essex, taking a career best 8-49 to help them beat 2002 champions Surrey in three days at The Oval.

But it was during a match at Colchester the previous month that he became aware of Sussex's interest in him.

"In the game against Essex, I saw something special in them.

"They were a young side, they were really hungry to win and they really enjoyed their cricket. That's what made me come here," he told BBC Sport.

"Our goals are very simple and straightforward. We will try to give 100% - you can never predict results in cricket - and hopes are really high that we can be champions again."

We have four or five all-rounders, some good young players and I don't see any reason to stop us winning Mohammad Akram

So how are the club approaching the task ahead of them?

"I heard a very good thing from the captain and coach. By keeping things simple and doing the basics right, you can build rhythm and momentum early in the season. Then you have to keep it up.

"There must be a little bit of pressure on the champions, but being the champions, it's a different feeling. You've had the taste of winning the Championship and really want to win again."

Akram expects the biggest challenge to come from Lancashire, runners-up last year and seeking their first title since 1950, and Surrey, who were champions in three of the four years before Sussex's triumph.

"They are always there or thereabouts and have some good players, but it depends who makes the better start early in the season."

Fellow Pakistani Mushtaq Ahmed transformed Sussex into champions last summer with 103 wickets in the Championship and Akram sees no reason why he cannot be successful again.

SUSSEX 2004 Director of Cricket: Peter Moores Captain: Chris Adams Overseas players: Mushtaq Ahmed, Murray Goodwin Players in: Ian Ward, Jason Voros, Mohammad Akram, Luke Wright Players out: Paul Hutchison, Shaun Rashid, Billy Taylor, Bas Zuiderent

"He's a top-class performer. He really enjoys his cricket and anyone who enjoys his cricket will perform better. It's very simple.

"There are English batsmen who are really good against spin, at international and county level, but he bowled really long spells and bowled exceptionally last year. That's why he took so many wickets."

Akram's arrival at Sussex strengthens an already potent seam bowling attack, led by James Kirtley and Jason Lewry.

"I've been really impressed with the seamers who were here already. They bowl good line and length, they can swing the ball and they bowl within their limitations.

"My role is to run in, bowl fast and get some wickets - it's very simple. But we're here to help each other.

"It will be a good season for me if I play in all the games and take about 80 wickets. That's an achievable number and I'm going to work hard for it."

Former England batsman Ian Ward is Sussex's other major signing, a player who has experienced plenty of success in the past with Surrey.

Akram will help ease James Kirtley's wicket-taking burden

"He's a very good signing, he will really give Sussex a boost. I don't need to say much because his bat will speak for him," said Akram.

Sussex's Championship form was in marked contrast to their one-day performances as they finished third bottom in Division two of the National League, a situation they plan to rectify this summer.

"Last year Sussex were a bit too relaxed in one-dayers. But we have four or five all-rounders, some good young players and I don't see any reason to stop us winning."

Akram has not regrets about ending an international career after only nine Tests and 23 one-day internationals.

"The reason I played so little was because of two greats, Wasim and Waqar. They were always willing to play, even when they were injured. They never let anyone in. Basically, I was there at the wrong time.

"I went back to Pakistan recently and the chief executive Rameez Raja called me and said 'Now it's time for you to play.' But I told him I had signed for Sussex and didn't want to change my decision."

Pakistan's loss is Sussex's gain.