**Shoaib scoop for Worcestershire **](BBC SPORT | Cricket | Counties | Worcestershire | Shoaib scoop for Worcestershire)
Worcestershire have signed pace ace Shoaib Akhtar for the 2005 season subject to official clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Shoaib, the fastest bowler in world cricket, will be available to the county from 1 July.
The club’s director of cricket Tom Moody said: "He is a world class strike bowler in both forms of the game and he will spearhead our drive for success.
“His experience of county cricket can only be an advantage to us.”
The former Australian international added: “Shoaib creates a huge buzz wherever he bowls and I have no doubt he will be a popular member of the squad both on and off the field.”
Shoaib said: "I love playing county cricket in England and I’m really looking forward to helping Worcestershire get straight back into Division One of the Championship and challenge for honours in the one-day game.
“I’ll be rested and raring to go when I start in July and, from looking at the players Worcester have in their side, confident we’ll have a successful season.”
