Tshwane Spartans assistant coach Mandla Mashimbyi is intrigued by the arrival of Afghanistan left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil in the Tshwane Spartans squad for the 2019 Mzansi Super League.

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.

Mashimbyi compared Salamkheil to fellow wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who was part of the Proteas’ World Cup squad earlier this year – and has been retained by the Paarl Rocks for the second edition of the MSL.

‘We saw a couple of videos, and we really liked what we saw. He is similar to Shamsi. He is going to bamboozle a lot of guys. Hopefully he can do his job properly,’ said Mashimbyi.

‘It’s nice to have that mystery factor. We don’t know what he will bring, but no-one else knows either. He is a mystery to us as well.’

Several Cape Cobras stars were recruited at the draft earlier this week, too. Batsman Janneman Malan and all-rounder George Linde stayed at the Cape Town Blitz, while fast bowler Akhona Mnyaka will join fellow left-armer Nandre Burger at the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants. Burger used to play for the Blitz.

‘We are very proud to have so many Cobras players represented in the second season of MSL and we wish them the best of luck at their respective teams,’ added Western Province Cricket Association chief executive officer Nabeal Dien.

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