Imran Tahir will play for the Melbourne Rebels in the Big Bash League.

The 41-year-old leg spinner has found games hard to come by in the Indian Premier League, but he continues to attract interest from T20 teams around the world.

He will only be available to the Renegades after Christmas, freeing him up to play a full role in South Africa’s series against England, which takes place in November and December. While Tahir is unlikely to feature in the ODI series, he will be a valuable member of the T20 squad.

‘Imran Tahir has excelled in the T20 format right across the world and he’ll provide another genuine wicket-taking threat,’ Renegades coach Michael Klinger said.

Tahir added: ‘I’ve watched the Big Bash from afar [and] have admired how competitive it is. I’m looking forward to joining my new Renegades teammates and am working hard with them to produce a successful season.’