Head coach Mark Boucher is looking forward to the exploits of Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil during the Tshwane Spartans’ 2019 Mzansi Super League campaign.

Salamkheil, who debuted in Test cricket against Ireland earlier this year, was purchased in the ninth round of Tuesday’s MSL player draft.

He has also represented the Kandahar Knights and Comilla Victorians in the Afghanistan Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League, respectively. West Indian Chris Gayle and South Africa’s AB de Villiers were among the opposition in his lone appearance for the Victorians.

‘We have selected well and, if you look at the way we have gone about it, we have a squad suitable for the conditions in which we are going to play most of our cricket,’ said Boucher.

‘We have some surprise packages as well. The little 17-year-old from Afghanistan – I think he can bamboozle a few batsmen.

‘I’m very happy with the picks, as every other team probably is too. They all have their ideas about which players can win the competition and we are no different.’

The Spartans retained quintet Lutho Sipamla, Dean Elgar, Tony de Zorsi, Theunis de Bruyn and Lungi Ngidi and purchased former Proteas fast bowler Morne Morkel. Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen also joined the Tshwane franchise.

England fast bowler Tom Curran and De Villiers will be the Spartans’ international and local marquee player, respectively.

The Spartans finished in second-last position in last year’s six-team MSL, after four wins and six defeats.

Photo: Gallo Images