Surrey complete Azhar signing

The B&H Cup win in 2002 gave Surrey a reason to smile

Surrey have signed Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as a short-term replacement for Saqlain Mushtaq.

Saqlain will return to the club to replace his countryman following New Zealand's l tour of Pakistan on the 15 May.

Paul Sheldon, the county's chief excutive, said: "Ben Hollioake's tragic death left a huge hole both on and off the field.

"We will never be able to replace what he brought to the club off the pitch."

Azhar will bring invaluable experience and balance to the squad.

Keith Medlycott
Surrey 1st XI manager

"But Saqlain's absence through international duty has given us the opportunity to fill the void left by Ben and bring in an all rounder of international calibre."

Azhar has played 113 one-day internationals and 21 Tests. He is an explosive batsman - particularly in one-day cricket and is an effective medium pace bowler.

Keith Medlycott, Surrey's 1st XI manager, said: "Signing Azhar on a short term contract was very important to the Club.

"He will bring some invaluable experience and balance to the squad."

Azhar is currently playing in a triangular tournament in Sharjah tournament, which conculdes on 17 April.

He will then, presumably, fly straight to London from the Emirates.