Azhar Mahmood back for Surrey in T20

Azhar Mahmood has signed on for another season of T20 with Surrey. The former Pakistan allrounder, who is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20 history, will not count as an overseas player due to his British citizenship.

Mahmood played every game for Surrey in last year's revamped NatWest T20 Blast, with matches played mostly on Friday evenings through the summer, helping them to Finals Day for the second consecutive year. In 2013 he was part of the team that were beaten to the FLt20 trophy by Northamptonshire.

"I'm really excited to be back playing again for Surrey in front of packed crowds at the Kia Oval in this year's T20 competition. I can't wait for the NatWest T20 Blast to begin," Mahmood said.

Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart, added: "We're delighted to have Azhar on board again for this season's T20 Blast campaign. To have his wealth of experience and skill levels is a huge bonus."