WASIM Akram is expected to be named as Lancashire's new captain at an Old Trafford committee meeting tonight.

Wasim, currently leading Pakistan in their one-day series against South Africa, is the hot favourite to take over from Mike Watkinson who stepped down recently after four years in charge.

Lancashire have already awarded Wasim a testimonial next season and are keeping their fingers crossed that he emerges unscathed from a tough international programme over the winter.

The Pakistan star missed virtually the whole of 1997 with a shoulder injury, but an operation was successful and Wasim has just returned to wicket-taking action against South Africa.

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