Worcestershire swoop for Shakib

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan sits atop the ICC one-day rankings for his exploits with both ball and bat

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Worcestershire have completed the signing of Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan as their overseas player for 2010.

The 22-year-old is set to join up with the county after Bangladesh complete their tour of England in mid-July - subject to his being granted a visa - and will become the first player from his country to play domestic cricket on these shores.

A left-arm spinner and left-handed batsman, Shakib is currently rated by the International Cricket Council as the leading one-day all-rounder in the world.

“I am delighted to be joining Worcestershire in 2010,” said Shakib. “I followed county cricket as a young player growing up and the opportunity to fulfil one of my ambitions by playing as an overseas player in England is one that excites me greatly.

“I consider it a huge honour to be the first Bangladeshi overseas player in county cricket and can’t wait to give my all for the club on the field.

“County cricket has traditionally been the stage for the world's best players and it is a matter of great pride for me to be associated with a club that has an overwhelming history and had been home to so many legendary cricketers.

“Particularly as an all-rounder, I am thrilled and inspired to be joining the team once graced by Ian Botham, Imran Khan and Kapil Dev.”

Shakib has also enjoyed a stellar 12 months in the Test arena, taking 35 wickets at 24.71 apiece and scoring 373 runs at 33.90 in six matches to climb to fourth in the ICC rankings.

He also helped Bangladesh to only the second and third Test wins in their history, albeit against a second-string West Indies side in July.

He has taken 48 wickets in 14 Tests in total, and 83 in 75 one-day internationals since making his debut in 2006.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “I have been following his progress for some time and it is clear to me that he is a very good player.

“His current ICC rankings prove this and I know he is hungry for success. His all-round skills will be a great boost to our young team for the business end of the season.”

The signing represents a welcome boost for Worcestershire, who have seen Steven Davies and Gareth Batty depart for Surrey, and Stephen Moore join Lancashire, since they were relegated in the LV= County Championship this summer.