Afridi joins Ireland

Shahid Afridi has been named as Ireland's second overseas player for the 2006 season following the withdrawal of Abdul Razzaq. Afridi will join the Irish squad in time for their opening C&G Trophy match against Hampshire, at Clontarf, on April 23.

Razzaq pulled out of his deal at the last minute, saying that he wanted time to prepare for Pakistan's tour of England. It left Ireland needing to move quickly for a replacement and they have found an ideal option.

Afridi has found a new level of consistency over the last year, cumulating in back-to-back centuries in the recent series against India. He still holds the record for the fastest one-day century - 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996 - and has a strike rate of over a 100 from 219 ODIs.

His brisk legspin will also provide a wicket-taking option for Ireland and he will be able to form a double spin attack with fellow Pakistani, Saqlain Mushtaq.