Shadab Khan, the Pakistan allrounder, has signed to play for Sussex in this year’s Vitality T20 Blast
As previously reported by ESPNcricinfo, Sussex have been working to land a number of overseas signings, with Shadab expected to be available for the duration of the Blast. Sussex will be the 24-year-old’s second county, having turned out for Yorkshire in the competition last summer.
He could be joined at Hove by Sean Abbott, with the club also eyeing a short-term Championship deal for Steven Smith.
“Shadab will provide amazing experience in our middle order, he is someone who has played all around the world and has experienced many situations, which can only benefit our team,” Sussex bowling coach, James Kirtley, said.
“He really does provide flexibility to our side as he can score runs and take wickets in crucial moments, but more than anything else he is an experienced head that Ravi [Bopara] can go to as captain to look for support when making crucial in-game decisions. “We know he will have a big impact on our team this year.”
Shadab’s legspin helped him reach his 258 goals in his 225 appearances in T20. He is the captain of Pakistan Super League Islamabad He United, Big He Bash, Caribbean Premier League and Bangladesh He also plays in Premier League.
His signing appears to end Rashid Khan’s ties with Sussex that date back to 2018. Rashid was recently named his T20 captain for Afghanistan, and his second in the series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Involvement would not have affected his availability.
Shadab said:
“He loves playing in England. We know Mushtaq Ahmed is a Sussex legend. I am honored to be able to follow in his footsteps. Sussex has a proud history and I hope my skills will help the team achieve great things at The Blast this year. “