Razzaq joins Afridi at Hampshire

Abdul Razzaq's stunning cameo in the second Twenty20 against England last month ensured a share of the series

All-rounder Abdul Razzaq is set to play alongside Pakistan team-mate Shahid Afridi for the Hampshire Royals in this season’s Friends Provident t20.

With two overseas players allowed to feature simultaneously in the revamped competition, Hampshire have secured the services of another of last year’s ICC World Twenty20 winners.

Razzaq, who has featured in 46 Tests, 237 one-day internationals and 11 Twenty20 internationals, claimed three wickets in the World T20 final against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in June.

The 30-year-old also notably flayed five sixes en route 46 not out from 18 balls to square the two-match Twenty20 series with England in Dubai last month.

Razzaq, who has the same manager as Afridi and has previously played for Surrey, Worcestershire and Middlesex, will join his fellow all-rounder for the competition which begins on June 1.

He said: “I am looking forward to playing for Hampshire in the Friends Provident t20.

“I've always enjoyed my cricket in England as it is a home away from home due to the massive following Pakistani players have there, and I will do my utmost to try and help Hampshire win the tournament.”

Hampshire first XI manager Giles White said: “We are really pleased that Abdul has joined Hampshire for the Friends Provident t20 campaign.

“He is a proven match-winner and can turn a game with either bat or ball. We are looking forward to his arrival.”

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove added: “Abdul Razzaq is one of the finest Twenty20 performers in the world. He will be a great asset to the side and adds even greater depth to an already impressive team.

“We have assembled arguably our strongest ever Twenty20 squad with the clear objective of reaching the 2010 Friends Provident t20 finals day here at the Rose Bowl on 14th August.”