Surrey confirm Saqlain return

Saqlain proved his worth for the county last year

Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is to return to Surrey as the county's overseas player for the 2000 season.

Saqlain signed a two-year contract last year, but there had been a question about his availability owing to Pakistan's international commitments in June and July.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board have confirmed that Saqlain will be free to play for Surrey from the end of May, after the West Indies tour.

The PCB has agreed to release Saqlain from the tour of Sri Lanka in June and July.

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said: "I'm delighted for the club and its members that we will be seeing Saqlain at Surrey again this season."

Last year, Saqlain was instrumental in helping Surrey win the PPP Healthcare County Championship title for the first time in 28 years.

He topped the bowling averages taking 58 Championship wickets at 11.37 in only seven matches.