Surrey will become the eighth county the veteran South African spinner Imran Tahir has represented after they announced his signing for the T20 Blast this summer.
Tahir, 40, will join Surrey when South Africa’s World Cup campaign ends, which means he will be available for their opening match against Essex on July 19. Surrey’s other overseas player is Aaron Finch.
Tahir first played county cricket as long ago as 2003 for Middlesex and has also represented Yorkshire, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Durham.
He said: “I’m always looking for new and exciting opportunities. That’s how I see the chance to play with one of the most talented playing groups in county cricket.”
Tahir also has plenty of experience around the world in T20 leagues and was the leading wicket taker in this year’s IPL, with 26 for runners-up Chennai Super Kings. Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “Imran is a proven match winner and with his vast experience of international, county and franchise cricket will be a huge asset to us.”
Surrey will appreciate Tahir’s wrist-spin after a Royal London One-Day Cup campaign in which they won just one of their eight matches.
This morning they were due to begin their second County Championship match of the season, away at pace-setters Somerset.
.jpg?w=600)
