After winning promotion to the County Championship Division One this year, Gloucestershire have started to strengthen ahead of next season.
They have signed highly-rated Afghanistan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad for the entirety of the T20 Blast and for the final six matches of the County Championship.
The 19-year-old says he is looking forward to testing himself in English conditions.
He said: "I am extremely happy to have signed for Gloucestershire for the T20 Blast and then the County Championship.
"It is a great honour for me to join Gloucestershire after they had such a successful 2019.
"Having played T20 cricket around the world I have always wanted to play first class cricket in England to develop my red ball skills.
"I am looking forward to working with Richard Dawson."
The spinner was also selected by the Welsh Fire to play in the inaugural Hundred tournament, giving fans the chance to get an extended look at a rising star of the game.
Ahmad claimed six wickets in six matches in the most recent Bangladesh Premier League competition.
Gloucestershire coach Richard Dawson says he is looking forward to working with the youngster.
He said: "I’m delighted that Qais has agreed to join us for next season as the club enters its first season in Division One since 2004.
"We had a very strong season in 2019 and Qais will help take us to the next level in both the long and short formats with his game-changing skills.
"He’s one of the most exciting young spinners in the world and I’m looking forward to seeing him add a new dimension to our T20 and County Championship squads."
