BBC SPORT | Cricket | Counties | Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire are attempting to sign Mohammad Akram as an English-qualified player, although he has played Test cricket for Pakistan.

The fast bowler would be a useful signing for the team who will finish second from bottom in the County Championship.

Akram, who played for Northamptonshire in 1997, has an English wife and hopes to be in possession of a British passport before the start of next season.

Mohammad Akram factfile

DoB: 10/09/74

Test career: 17 wickets in nine matches, average: 50.52

One-day career: 19 wickets in 23 matches, average: 41.57, economy rate: 4.79

The news comes on the back of a deal that has ensured Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey will return for the 2003 season after agreeing a new one-year contract.

Harvey and Jonty Rhodes will be the two overseas players.

But with English-qualifier New Zealander Craig Spearman in the mix as well, Gloucestershire could have only seven home-grown players in their starting XI.

Coach John Bracewell will be looking to rectify what was an indifferent season for the team.

Unless they beat Durham in their final match of the season, Gloucestershire will have recorded just one win in 2002.

The one crumb of comfort for the Bristol-based side has been the form of their National League side, who managed to come top in division two.

But there was to be no Lord's glory in the two knockout competitions.


	Links to more Gloucestershire stories