Proteas leg-spinner Imran Tahir will play for Surrey in the 2019 T20 Blast.

Tahir will join Surrey after South Africa’s World Cup campaign – and play alongside Surrey’s other recruit from abroad, Australian batsman Aaron Finch, in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s premier limited-overs competition. Proteas teammate Chris Morris, meanwhile, will represent Hampshire in the competition.

‘I’m always looking for new and exciting opportunities. That’s how I see the chance to play with one of the most talented playing groups in county cricket,’ said Tahir.

‘When I heard Alec Stewart had asked after me, it was an easy decision. Surrey are a massive club and it will be great if I can contribute to helping them win another trophy this summer at The Oval.’

The 40-year-old Tahir was the leading wicket-taker in the 2019 Indian Premier League. He took 26 in 17 matches for the Chennai Super Kings, who lost Sunday’s final in Hyderabad to the Mumbai Indians.

Surrey director of cricket Stewart added: ‘Imran is a proven match winner and with his vast experience of international, county and franchise cricket will be a huge asset to us.’

Tahir boasts extensive experience in domestic T20 cricket, after stints in the IPL, Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League and others.

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