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Akram hints at quitting

Wasim Akram has hinted that he may bring down the curtain on his illustrious international career if Pakistan wins the current World Cup.

The Pakistan captain informally said that it could be the perfect moment to bow out if he lifts the trophy at Lord's on Sunday evening.

"My international future will depend on what happens in the next few days. I am not sure yet. I am not really thinking about it. But if we win the World Cup it might be a great way for me to finish," he said.

Akram is relishing his spell as skipper and believes his style is helping to relax the players and get the best out of them in this World Cup.

He said: "This is my third or fourth time as captain. This time the players wanted me and asked the Pakistan board to appoint me. I refused at first and it's a long story that I am not going to go into now!

"But the boys know I am a relaxed captain who can get the best out of them. They respond to me and we help each other on and off the field instead of being sick of the sight of each other. I have learnt a lot about captaincy. When I was captain in 1993, I didn't know what it was all about and in my opinion no-one is a born leader. It is something you work at and work out. I have made millions of mistakes but I have learnt."