Kent sign Qais Ahmad for T20 Blast

The Afghanistan leg-spinner could also turn out for the club in two County Championship fixtures

Kent have signed Afghanistan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad for the entirety of their T20 Blast campaign.

The 20-year-old has established himself in T20 competitions all over the world, including stints in the Big Bash and the Pakistan Super League.

He had been due to represent Gloucestershire in 2020 before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic saw that arrangement fall through, while he also has a deal to represent Welsh Fire in the inaugural edition of The Hundred.

Subject to approval, he will be available for two County Championship matches; he made his Test debut in 2019 in Afghanistan’s famous victory over Bangladesh.

Ahmad, who has previously played alongside Kent vice-captain Daniel Bell-Drummond in the Lanka Premier League, said: “I’m excited to play in the Vitality Blast and I’m really looking forward to being a Kent Spitfire.”

^{Qais Ahmad has previously played in the Big Bash for Hobart Hurricanes}

Kent’s director of cricket, Paul Downton, added: “We’re delighted to welcome a leg-spinner of Qais Ahmad’s class to Kent as we look to bring some variety to our attack ahead of the Vitality Blast.

“[He] is an exciting talent who has shown his ability in top-quality leagues all over the world. I am confident that his enthusiasm for the game will make him a firm favourite with our members and supporters as we look to welcome crowds back to watching live cricket again.”

Ahmad has taken 77 wickets in 67 T20 appearances at 21.28 apiece, with an economy rate of just 7.5. He joins Mohammad Amir, who has already signed up to play for Kent in the T20 Blast.

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