Lancashire have tapped into the knowledge of Red Rose legend Wasim Akram to bolster their trophy hopes. Lightning have signed Pakistan pace bowler Junaid Khan for the Friends Life T20 campaign following a recommendation from Akram.
And with original overseas player Farveez Maharoof having been called up to the Sri Lankan Test squad, the 21-year-old may also be available for LV County Championship matches later in the summer.
Wasim, who became a Red Rose idol during his 11 seasons at Old Trafford, has watched his fellow left-arm seamer closely since he broke into the Pakistan one-day squad during the World Cup and mentioned him to Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson. “Junaid is a hot prospect who was recommended to us by Wasim,” said Watkinson. “Like Farveez Maharoof, Junaid joins us on modest terms with an incentive to play county cricket in the hope of furthering his international ambitions.”
Khan has played seven one-day internationals for Pakistan, including five in the recent series in the West Indies, and was part of their World Cup squad which lost to India in the semi-finals. As well as being likened to a young Wasim, Khan has been working closely with Pakistan coach and bowling legend Waqar Younis on developing reverse swing.
Lancashire have made a blistering start to their Twenty20 campaign, topping the North Division with two wins and a tie from their opening three matches.
But with skipper Glen Chapple struggling to shake off a leg injury, Sajid Mahmood battling with a hip problem and uncertainty over whether Maharoof will return this summer, they are light in the pace department for what is a gruelling schedule.
Khan, a former Pakistan Under-19 player has taken 167 first-class wickets for home-town team Abbottabad. He is unlikely to be available for tonight’s clash at Leicestershire or Friday’s game with Yorkshire as Lancs wait for his registration and visa to be completed. “Junaid is an extremely talented cricketer,” said coach Peter Moores. “He bowls with good pace and variation and we look forward to working with him.”
