Cricket: Smethwick must wait for Wasim
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WASIM AKRAM'S hopes of playing for Smethwick have been thrown into doubt because he has not been registered with the Birmingham League.
The Pakistan captain, who picked up a loser's medal in Sunday's World Cup final, signed a two-year contract with Smethwick in January, and was hoping to make his debut either this weekend - against West Bromwich Dartmouth - or on 3 July against Stratford.
After Sunday's loss Wasim explained why he was joining Smethwick. "I always wonder why there are so many talented players in Pakistan and India and why you don't see that same talent among those living in England," he said. "Maybe they need a role model to coach them, to tell them that they are good players or to let people know about them. That's the main reason for me going to Birmingham."
Shane Warne has reopened the door to playing county cricket. The leg- spinner has been linked with several counties in the past but decided against taking up any of the reported offers. Earlier this week he hinted at taking a rest from the game, but yesterday he said he wants to play in England next summer.
"I have spoken to two counties and, although there isn't an offer in writing, I am optimistic that something will materialise.
"It is down to my manager and one of the counties to arrange a package that I'm happy with. Playing county cricket has been a serious ambition since I came to play for a club team in Bristol in 1989."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments