Lancashire move for Malik

Shoaib Malik, currently banned from playing for his country, is set to turn out for Lancashire in this year's Friends Provident t20

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has agreed to join Lancashire for their Friends Provident t20 campaign.

The off-spinning all-rounder, 28, is currently appealing against a one-year ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board following the team’s miserable winter tour of Australia, when they lost every game.

With counties allowed to sign two overseas players for this season’s revamped 20-over competition, Malik joins Australian Simon Katich on Lancashire’s roster.

He is set to arrive in time for the opening game against Durham at the Riverside on June 4, although his signing is subject to visa regulations and approval by the PCB.

“I love playing cricket in England and the opportunity to play with a club of Lancashire’s reputation was too good to pass up,” said Malik.

“When Lancashire approached me to come and play for them I didn’t hesitate in saying ‘yes’.

“Their recent overseas signings in Katich and Chanderpaul only add to an already strong list. I’m very excited and look forward to a strong t20 campaign.”

Lancashire coach Peter Moores added: “Shoaib has a proven track record in the game and is a versatile cricketer.

“He’s at a good age, can bat up and down the order and is an experienced spin bowler. We look forward to welcoming him to the squad.”

Director of cricket Mike Watkinson said: “We are delighted to recruit yet another world-class player to the cricket club. Shoaib will be a quality addition to our T20 squad.”

Malik averages 26.21 with the bat and 20.42 with the ball in 30 Twenty20 internationals. He has also played 29 Tests and 190 one-day internationals.

His name had never been far from the headlines recently, having drawn huge attention in the sub-continent following his marriage to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza last month.

South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince, Lancashire’s current overseas player, is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of May, while Katich will be available for the first half of the FP t20. Chanderpaul assumes overseas duties when the group stages finish in mid-July.