Warwickshire move for Tahir

Imran Tahir, far right, was part of the Hampshire side that won the final Friends Provident Trophy this year at Lord's

Buy this photo

Warwickshire have signed Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir from Hampshire as their overseas player for the 2010 season.

The well-travelled Tahir, 30, who has had previous spells with Middlesex, Yorkshire and the South African franchise Titans, is qualified to play for South Africa by residency.

He signed for Hampshire as their overseas player in 2008, saving them from relegation in the LV= County Championship with 44 wickets in seven matches.

Tahir returned to the Rose Bowl this year, but the signing of Sri Lanka 'mystery spinner' Ajantha Mendis for next season left Tahir potentially sidelined.

Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles said: “Imran is a great signing for the Bears. He brings with him knowledge and experience that will add much to our young, developing squad.

“Not only is his first-class bowling average (25.89) impressive but his one-day figures are up there with the best. I am sure that Imran will be a valuable addition to our attack next summer.”

Warwickshire have also boosted their batting options with the acquisition of Essex opener Varun Chopra on a three-year contract.

Chopra, 22, from Barking, came through the Essex ranks and captained England Under-19s, but has struggled to hold down a place in the Essex first-team with just two first-class centuries in 81 innings.

But Chopra did well in one-day cricket this season, scoring an unbeaten 101 in a big stand with Alastair Cook in the NatWest Pro40 win over Hampshire.

Chopra turned down a new two-year deal at the promoted county in order to move to Edgbaston.

Varun Chopra square drives in a Twenty20 Cup match against Middlesex, but his championship form was variable

Buy this photo

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Warwickshire in 2010. The combination of joining one of the country's biggest clubs, playing at a Test match ground and working with Ashley Giles was too good an offer to refuse.

“I would like to thank everyone at Essex for all of their support during my time with the club and in particular special thanks to Paul Grayson and Graham Gooch.

“In addition I would like to personally thank all of the Essex supporters, players and staff.

“I have grown up at the club having come through the youth set-up, so the decision to leave is one of the hardest I have ever had to make.

“However, I am hugely excited about the new challenge in front of me and look forward to returning to Chelmsford next year with Warwickshire.”

Paul Grayson, Essex first-team coach, regretted Chopra’s move: “Varun has agreed a three-year deal with Warwickshire. This is obviously a disappointment to Essex as we had offered Varun a two-year contract.

“He is a talented player and an Essex boy. Myself and the club have done a lot of work with him over the last three to four years.

“Varun was asking things that we could not guarantee him for next year. He feels his County Championship cricket has not developed as much as he would have liked and wishes to set himself a new challenge out of his current comfort zone.

“He obviously goes with our respect and blessing. He was a popular member of the dressing room and a pleasure to work with. This represents an opportunity for him to develop with another excellent county.”