WASIM AKRAM has dedicated himself to bringing the County Championship back to Old Trafford for the first time in 64 years.

The Test star has been dropped from Pakistan's latest squad to tour South Africa and Zimbabwe.

It's a bitter blow for the 31-year-old - but he insists it will make him even hungrier for domestic success with Lancashire.

The Red Rose County's new captain will now be able to go on the pre-season tour - to Cape Town in March - for only the second time in his 10-year stay with the club.

And at the launch of his Testimonial year at Old Trafford, Wasim said: "I don't understand being dropped by my country - it is a personal thing concerning a few jealous people over there.

"I would like an inquiry to see why they have done this to me. But for the moment, it leaves me free to concentrate on the summer with Lancashire.

"I love the place and the people, and they have been so good to me over the past 10 years. It would be great to repay their kindness by winning the Championship. "That is obviously the main target and I would love to be the man to end Lancashire's wait. That would make me a proud man.

"I think we certainly have a team capable of winning trophies this year. The players are talented - now we just have to get mentally tough.

"People expect a lot from my captaincy and it will be an important year for me in that respect. But I won't dictate or not listen to anybody else.

"We have experienced players with a lot to give and I will be consulting them as much as possible to help us along."

The all-rounder has been at the centre of match fixing allegations back home and his family subjected to abuse and death threats.

Said Wasim: "It has been my lowest time ever with Pakistan and I do not deserve it. I can categorically state I have never tried to fix a match or take bribes."

Wasim missed much of last summer with a mystery shoulder complaint, but last Autumn's operation has been a success and he is now back to full fitness.

Lancashire Chairman, Jack Simmons, recognises the importance of Wasim's

from the Pakistan squad. "It's sad for Wasim, but good news for us, because he will come back refreshed and eager to prove a point," explained Simmons.

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