Gul flies to Hove

Umar Gul, who has 47 Twenty20 international wickets at an average of 16, helped Pakistan capture the World Twenty20 in 2009 at Lord's

Sussex have signed Pakistan paceman Umar Gul, one of the world’s most potent Twenty20 bowlers, for their Friends Life t20 campaign.

The 27-year-old right-armer, who helped Pakistan to the inaugural World Twenty20 final and win the second edition, has 47 wickets in 34 T20 internationals at an average of 16. Only his international captain, Shahid Afridi, has more - 53 - and those have come in nine extra games.

Gul, who has also appeared in 34 Tests and 88 one-day internationals, is set to play alongside countryman Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, who aided the Sharks' 2009 Twenty20 Cup triumph and therefore qualification for the Champions League that year.

Gul said: “I am delighted to be joining Sussex for the 2011 t20 campaign. I am really looking forward to helping the Sharks return to both finals day and the Champions League.

"Coming to Sussex is a privilege and the chance to follow in the footsteps of other Pakistani greats from Imran Khan to Mushtaq Ahmed, and to Rana Naved in the current team, is very exciting.”

Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "We’re delighted that Umar has agreed to join us for the Friends Life t20. The prospect of having two of the world’s best t20 bowlers in Rana Naved and Umar, bowling in tandem, is a mouthwatering one.”

Sussex begin their FLt20 campaign at home to Essex on June 2.