Leicestershire Foxes have signed Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal as cover for New Zealander Grant Elliott in this season’s NatWest T20 Blast.
With Elliott in the Black Caps’ squad for the limited-overs internationals against England, which take place between June 9-23, Umar will fill in for four matches.
Umar has played 16 Tests, 111 one-day internationals and 59 Twenty20s for Pakistan, hitting 1,259 runs at an average of 27.36 in the latter.
The 24-year-old has also struck 2,604 runs at 28 in 124 domestic sprint-format matches with a strike-rate of 128.65.
Umar said: “This will be my first time playing T20 for a county and I am very excited to be handed this opportunity.
“The club have put their trust in me so I will give my 100 per-cent efforts to repay their faith.”
Umar is set to go head-to-head with compatriot Shahid Afridi, formerly of Leicestershire, when the Foxes take on Northants Steelbacks at Grace Road on June 12.
Leicestershire head coach Andrew McDonald said: “It is brilliant that we are signing a player of Umar’s quality for when Grant is on international duty with New Zealand.
“Our fans should get the chance to see Umar at Grace Road on Friday 12 June, and we are all looking forward to him showcasing his skills over the course of the four games.”
With Elliott on international duty, Umar will be the Foxes’ second overseas player alongside Australian seamer Clint McKay.
Leicestershire captain Mark Cosgrove added: “It is fantastic to have Umar with us when Grant goes to play for New Zealand.
“Along with Clint, we have high-class overseas players to supplement the young talent we have here.”