Leicestershire recruit Umar Akmal for T20 Blast

LONDON: Leicestershire have signed Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal as cover for part of this year´s domestic T20 Blast competition, the English county announced on Wednesday.

Akmal, a member of Pakistan´s World Cup squad, will deputise for Leicestershire´s overseas signing Grant Elliott during New Zealand´s one-day series with England and is due to play four matches.

"This will be my first time playing T20 for a county and I am very excited to be handed this opportunity," the 24-year-old told the Leicestershire website.

"The club have put their trust in me so I will give my 100 per cent efforts to repay their faith."

Leicester head coach Andrew McDonald said: "It is brilliant that we are signing a player of Umar´s quality for when Grant is on international duty with New Zealand.

"We are all looking forward to him showcasing his skills over the course of the four games."