WASIM Akram could miss two spells of Lancashire's championship campaign next season because of international calls.

And his commitments with Pakistan have ruled him out as a contender for the Old Trafford captaincy.

Pakistan could be involved in two one day tournaments on the sub continent next summer - and Lancashire will be forced to release him.

It leaves the way clear for Mike Watkinson to continue next season.

Lancashire will thrash out a blueprint for the future at a committee meeting on Wednesday with the appointment of a head coach top of the agenda. They are still hoping to sign Dennis Lillee - but could find it difficult to meet his terms.

Lancashire completed the Sunday League programme with a comfortable seven wickets win at Northampton, set up by a superb 69 from 28 year old Merseysider Paddy McKeown.

Jason Gallian hit 70 and Neil Fairbrother an unbeaten 42 as Lancashire scorched past Northants' 282-5 with 14 balls to spare.

Today Lancashire were trying to climb out of the bottom four of the championship. But only 111 ahead and with five wickets left, they had a real fight on their hands to stop Northants claiming some revenge for their three one day defeats against Lancashire this season.

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