Ireland snap up spinner Saqlain

Saqlain Mushtaq has signed to play for Ireland © Getty Images

Former Pakistan international Saqlain Mushtaq has joined Ireland as one of their two overseas professionals.

The former Surrey spinner is the first of two foreign players that Ireland are entitled to use in the the new expanded league format for the one-day game.

The move means that Saqlain could now play against his former employers Surrey in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy, when the Londoners travel to Belfast in May.

It promises to be an exciting season for Ireland, who also face England on June 13, again in Belfast, as a warm-up match for the NatWest Series against Sri Lanka that starts four days later.

It is hoped that Ireland's second high-profile professional will be confirmed soon, possibly before the end of the week.