MIKE WATKINSON has quit as captain of Lancashire.

He informed the club's Cricket Committee of his decision and Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram is already favourite to take over.

Watkinson, 36, said: "I feel the time is right for a change and it will allow me to concentrate on aspects of my own game.

"It has been a great honour to lead this club and I appreciate all the support everyone has given me."

Chairman Jack Simmons added: "Mike has led the side with integrity, commitment and dedication.

"Last year's double will go down as a great achievement for himself and the side and I am sure he will continue to contribute as a player to the club in the future."

Watkinson was appointed as Neil Fairbrother's successor in 1994, but his period in charge of the biggest county in the country has been full of highs and lows. The Bolton-born all-rounder took his side to the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1995 and the domestic double of B&H Cup and NatWest Trophy in 1996.

But there were rumblings of discontent from the vast membership at the end of 1996, and last season's performance did nothing to ease the pressure.

Watkinson's own form with bat and ball suffered as he missed much of the campaign with a persistent arm injury, while the team failed on all fronts.

His successor could be named after the club's General Committee get together on November 4, but Wasim is uppermost in people's thoughts.

The Test star, who missed last season with a shoulder problem, has been declared fit to play for his country over the winter, and is set to start his Testimonial year at Lancashire with the captain's job.

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