World Cup-bound Imran Tahir signs up for T20 Blast

Surrey have completed the addition of spinner Imran Tahir for their T20 Blast campaign.

The veteran South Africa bowler has become the second overseas player for Surrey after the signing of big-hitting Australia batsman Aaron Finch.

Tahir, 40, showed his class in the IPL by edging the much-younger Kagiso Rabada in the top wicket-taker chart with 26 wickets, but was unable to prevent Chennai Super Kings from losing to Mumbai Indians in the IPL final.

“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,” he said.

“When I heard Alec Stewart had asked after me, it was an easy decision. Surrey are a massive club and it will be great if I can contribute to helping them win another trophy this summer at the Kia Oval.”

Surrey director of cricket Stewart said: “Imran is a proven matchwinner and with his vast experience of international, county and franchise cricket will be a huge asset to us.”

Across his career, Tahir has represented South Africa at two World Cups and two T20 World Cups, enjoyed a period as the number one ranked bowler in the world in the shortest format in 2017 and currently has 63 wickets in 38 international T20 appearances.