Ajmal spins into T20 action with Titans

THE Titans have signed worldclass off-spinner Saeed Ajmal,

for the domestic Ram Slam T20 Challenge in January and February next year, the cricket franchise announced yesterday.

It has also been reported that Shahid Afridi is to sign for the Knights to play part of the same competition.

Titans coach Rob Walter said yesterday: “It is with great excitement that we welcome Saeed to the Titans family. To have the leading wicket taker in international T20 cricket as part of our squad will undoubtedly strengthen an already exciting group of cricketers”.

“Our national cricketers have experienced first-hand how devastating he can be in all formats of the game and so we look forward to having him on our side for this season’s (T20) Challenge.”

The Pakistani off-spinner is the number one ODI and number two-ranked T20 bowler on the ICC world rankings.

In 2012, he captured 24 wickets in the Test series against England, and led the Pakistani clean-sweep of the series as the number one-ranked team in the world, at that time, wilted under the pressure.

The 36-year old joins a galaxy of superstars at the Titans.

Several South African players, among them AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Morne Morkel and Albie Morkel, will be available for the better part of the tournament, which starts on January 5.

Titans captain Henry Davids said it was great to have the best T20 bowler in the world available for the team.

“I know he is going to be great for us as a franchise, and for the younger players in our squad,” Davids said. “He’ll definitely help us to be a real force in the competition in January.”

ESPNCricinfo reported yesterday that Afridi was set to link up with the Knights for the T20 competition, with fast bowler Sohail Tanvir expected to feature for the Lions again. – Sapa