LONDON, Dec 27: English county Surrey’s Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood says county cricket is too intense and takes too much out of players. He told BBC Sport: “It’s not easy playing county cricket if you play six months throughout without a rest. It’s very difficult as there’s lots of cricket with no break in between. County cricket is badly scheduled.”

Mahmood missed first half of 2005 season for Surrey with a shin injury - the club suffered in his absence and were eventually relegated.

The 2006 summer will be Mahmood’s fifth at The Brit Oval and he is by now well versed in wear and tear of English domestic game.

He said: “If you’re a bowler or a batsman it’s OK but it’s very difficult for all-rounders because we have to bowl and bat.

“I’m definitely playing for Surrey next year. I am going to gym already to work really hard for next summer. I’m really strong and working hard on those parts where I have been struggling.”

Azhar, a fringe player in Pakistan national set-up, added: “If Pakistan call me for India series I am ready to play for them too.”—PPI