Todmorden CC skipper Andrew Sutcliffe has described this year’s professional, Pakistani Bilawal Bhatti, as “an exciting signing.”
All-rounder has played in two Test matches, 10 one day internationals and seven T20 games for his country.
The right-handed batsman and right-arm medium fast bowler replaces Aussie sensation Michael Neser at the Centre Vale club.
Bhatti can bowl at more than 140 kph, in spite of being only 5t 6in tall, and can also hit the ball a fair distance lower down the order.
He made his first-class debut in 2009 and marked his ODI debut for Pakistan with 39 off 25 balls and three for 37 in a Pakistan win over South Africa in Cape Town in 2013.
Bhatti is familiar with English conditions having previously played for Hem Heath CC and Alfreton CC.
Sutcliffe said: “We are delighted to sign Bilawal as our profession.
“He has played international cricket in all forms in the last 14 months which proves he is an excellent cricketer.
“Bilawal has been clocked bowling at 90mph and has two first class centuries, proving his all round ability.
“We made the decision to recruit a strike bowler and we are confident that is what we will get from him. Bilawal has excellent UK club cricketing stats, having taken 107 wickets in 410 overs.
“Bilawal is an exciting signing for the club.”
Sutcliffe said Bhatti was going through the visa application process and the club was expecting him to be here for the start of the season without any problems.