Surrey strike deal with Asif

Mohammad Asif has joined Surrey for 2008

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Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif will be Surrey’s overseas player for the 2008 season.

Asif’s signing follows the recent captures of two other former international bowlers in Saqlain Mushtaq and Pedro Collins.

Pakistani Saqlain, who has a British passport, has rejoined the club from Sussex while West Indian Collins arrives on Kolpak terms.

Asif played as one of Leicestershire’s overseas players in 2006 and in seven LV County Championship matches the opening bowler picked up 25 wickets at 31.52.

He has taken 51 wickets at 23.13 during 11 Test matches for Pakistan since making his debut against Australia in 2005 and was recently made vice-captain of his country’s tour of Abu Dhabi.

In Sri Lanka during 2005-06 he claimed figures of 17-183 in two Test matches and almost single handedly won Pakistan the series.

Surrey cricket manager Alan Butcher said: "In Mohammad we have acquired one of the world's best new ball bowlers.

"He has the high quality skills required to get wickets at the Brit Oval; skills that I hope will be passed on to our younger bowlers.

“He will form a major part of what is looking like an exciting bowling attack."

Meanwhile, Surrey have not retained the services of Mohammad Akram. He took 91 wickets in 31 county championship appearances for Surrey.