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LAHORE, Sunday (AFP) - Pakistan's celebrated pacer Wasim Akram Sunday said he would retire after next year's World Cup, adding he hoped to help Pakistan win as a parting gesture.

"I have decided to call it a day after next year's World Cup and hope that I get the highest reward in cricket as my farewell gift," Akram told reporters.

"I have been around for 18 years now and that's fairly a long period and have enjoyed the game to the hilt."

The 36-year-old has claimed 414 wickets in 104 Tests and a world record 459 in 331 one-dayers since his distinguished career began in 1984.

In his second Test he fetched 10 wickets against New Zealand, and is still the youngest bowler ever to achieve the feat in a Test.

The left armer would be the longest-surviving player if he makes it to the quadrennial cup to be held in South Africa in February 2003.

"It is always tough to decide leaving something you love to the core of your life, and for the next few years it would be tough not to be playing cricket," he said.

Akram helped Pakistan win their only World Cup in 1992 in Australia with a total of 18 wickets and some useful runs that earned him player-of-the-tournament award.

"I led my country with distinction and played my part in a number of wins which is very, very satisfying," he said.

Akram said he would always cherish memories of his career, although he has been hit by allegations of match fixing and other off-field problems.

"You have ups and downs in every field, mine had too many but I still feel more than satisfied with what I have achieved in the game."

He was fined 300,000 rupees (around 5,000 dollars) after a match fixing inquiry was made public in May 2000. He was subsequently censured and barred from leading Pakistan.

"My wife Huma, my parents and my millions of fans supported me through thick and thin and that's something I can never pay back."

Last year fitness problems forced him to remain in the dressing room.

"Injuries are part and parcel of the game and since I missed a few games I lost on some precious wickets but taking the highest number of wickets, hat-tricks in both forms of the game and many other achievements are great."

He also paid tribute to Pakistani cricketing legend Imran Khan.

"I would always owe a great deal to Imran Khan who kept me under his tutelage all the time and help me learn the art of bowling."

Akram said he had yet to decide what retirement would have in store.

"I need time to decide that and for a year I would relax with my family and would try to enjoy life without cricket."

"I know it would be really tough," he said.

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