Rehman returns to Somerset in 2013

Abdur Rehman, the Pakistan left-arm spinner, will again play for Somerset next season after spending the latter part of the 2012 season at Taunton.

Currently, the exact dates of the deal are unclear but will include the final stages of the County Championship and the CB40. But the club are keen to try and extend Rehman's stay to include the Friends Life t20 earlier in the season if his Pakistan commitments allow.

Rehman played four Championship matches in 2012, taking 27 wickets at 14.18 which included nine wickets in an innings against Worcestershire. He also claimed nine wickets in three CB40 matches with a best of 6 for 16.

But Rehman made the headlines for off-field reasons, too, and is currently serving a 12-week ban having tested positive for cannabis during his spell with Somerset.

Guy Lavender, the chief executive, said: "The club in no way condones the use of illegal drugs. It was heartening to see that he admitted his mistake and has been punished accordingly. It is now time to move on and I am very confident he will do extremely well for us next season".

Rehman added: "I really enjoyed my time there last year and will look to play with the same intensity and passion, I would also like to thank the Somerset management and fans for their support in what has been a difficult period for me."

Somerset, who are still awaiting to appoint a new director of cricket, have Alviro Petersen, the South Africa batsman, joining them for the first part of the season.