Wasim Akram wants to end his career on a high - by helping Hampshire develop a nasty streak.

Pakistan legend Wasim yesterday revealed that he will almost certainly end his playing days at the end of the season.

But he wants to retire with Hampshire in the top divisions of the county championship and the National League and with the county's 'southern softies' tag a thing of the past.

Former Lancashire all rounder Wasim, 36, said: "When I was playing for Lancashire, Hampshire was one of my favourite places, because the boys were always so relaxed.

"I believe that has been a perception of Hampshire over a long time.

"They were always very happy and very hard working but just didn't have the killer instinct - and that is how I can help them.

'You don't just want them to be considered nice boys, you want them to be tough so and sos who win against everybody.

"When you are winning, it doesn't matter what the opposition feels, but you have to have your distance. You cannot be smiling and chatting on the field.

"After the game, you have a drink with the opposition, that's fair enough, but on the field you have to be very, very aggressive at times."

Wasim will make his Hampshire debut at Worcestershire in the opening championship game of the season, which starts on Good Friday.

It will be his first action since Pakistan's dismal World Cup showing in February, when the one bright note for Wasim was becoming the first bowler to take 500 one day international wickets.

Success with Hampshire would at least make up for the disappointment of Pakistan's failure to qualify for the World Cup's Super Sixes.

Wasim was one of a number of high profile players subsequently dropped for the Sharjah Cup, which a young Pakistan side won earlier this month.

But he believes he can win trophies with Hampshire this year, as he did for a decade at Lancashire, where John Crawley was his vice captain.

"I never thought I'd play county cricket again after leaving Lancashire. I had a couple of offers to play for a month here and there but this is a very exciting opportunity," he added.

"At my stage, finances didn't come into it. I've got great memories of playing county cricket for Lancashire and here I can meet new people, make new friends and enjoy my cricket.

"This could be my last season - there's an end to everything eventually and hopefully I'll finish on a high note.

"I'm already very comfortable here, everything is very relaxed. It feels like my third season here and I know we're a good enough side to do well."

Hampshire want Shane Warne to return as captain of a side in the first divisions of the championship and the National League next year

But Wasim, who is looking at a place in Botley, added: "It's very unfortunate and a great shame that Shane isn't coming here but promotion will be the secondary goal for us.

"We'll be aiming to win the championship. If you only think about qualifying for the first division, you're limiting yourself. You need to have higher goals

"What mattered to me before I came here was that the team was good enough - it has the ability and the talent to win - and I did my homework.

"There's a big difference between winning and just doing well and that's why I'm here - to win and enjoy my cricket. I will certainly do that.

"This is the best county ground I've seen and John Crawley is a very good choice as captain. The boys have a lot of respect for him, he is very calm and hopefully I can be a help on and off the field.

"Playing with John and Robin Smith was a big factor in my decision to come - Judgie called me about the move before we played England in the World Cup."