18 November 2004	Thursday	05 Shawwal 1425

LONDON, Nov 17: Worcestershire county cricket club have signed fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for the 2005 season subject to official clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

In a statement on its official website on Wednesday the second division club said Shoaib would be available from July 1, following his country's tour of the West Indies.

"Shoaib is a world class strike bowler in both forms of the game and he will spearhead our drive for success in the latter half of the season," said director of cricket Tom Moody.

"His experience of county cricket can only be an advantage to us at New Road. He creates a huge buzz whenever he bowls and I have no doubt Shoaib will be a popular member of the squad both on and off the field."

Shoaib, who has previously played in England for Durham, said he was looking forward to helping Worcestershire get back into the first division. "I love playing county cricket in England and I'm really looking forward to helping Worcestershire get straight back into Division One of the championship and challenge for honours in the one-day game.

"I'll be rested and raring to go when I start in July and, from looking at the players Worcestershire have in their side, confident we'll have a successful season." Shoaib, 29, who is one of the world's fastest bowlers, has taken 133 wickets at 24.32 each in his 33 Tests. -Agencies