Middlesex signs Afghan teen Rahman for T20 Blast

The 17-year-old has 54 international wickets in all formats since his debut in 2017.

Published : Feb 11, 2019 18:54 IST

Afghanistan's 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman. (FILE IMAGE)
Afghanistan's 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman. (FILE IMAGE)
lightbox-info

Afghanistan's 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman. (FILE IMAGE)

Afghan spin-bowling teenage sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman will play for English county Middlesex in its T20 campaign next season, the club announced on Monday.

The 17-year-old -- who has taken 54 international wickets in all formats since making his debut aged 16 -- will hope to make the same impact his compatriot Rashid Khan did at Sussex last year.

Khan took 17 wickets at an average of 14.35 to play a major role in Sussex reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2015 -- although he was unable to play in the latter rounds due to international duty.

Rahman has enjoyed a successful Big Bash campaign with Brisbane Heat, picking up 12 wickets and returning best figures of three for 16.

“Middlesex Cricket is today delighted to announce the signing of Mujeeb Ur Rahman for this season's Blast campaign,” the county said in a statement.

“The 17-year-old spinner becomes head coach Stuart Law's first signing of the summer and will be available for the entire Blast campaign.

“He will join up with the Middlesex squad in early July to prepare for the tournament ahead.”

Law said Rahman, who played for Hampshire in the competition last year, would add a unique style to the bowling attack.

“It is with great pleasure to say that Mujeeb has agreed to play for Middlesex in the Blast,” said Law.

“His unique style of spin has proven to be difficult to play against and his record is outstanding in this format.”

“I'm sure the staff and players at Middlesex are looking forward to working with him this season,” added the 50-year-old Australian, who stepped down from his role as West Indies coach last year.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment