Saeed Ajmal signs for Worcestershire

The Pakistani offspinner, Saeed Ajmal, has joined Worcestershire for the second half of the 2011 season, pending the granting of a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Board and work permit approval.

"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Saeed to the club," said Worcestershire's director of cricket, Steve Rhodes. "He's a bowler of international stature and as a spinner with good variation he will be a crucial weapon during the latter part of the season, when the wickets notoriously begin to turn."

Ajmal has taken 33 wickets in nine Tests for Pakistan, with a best of 5 for 82 against England at Edgbaston in July 2010. He was also an integral member of Pakistan's victorious World Twenty20 campaign in 2009, in which he claimed 12 wickets at 13.58, including a best of 4 for 19 against Ireland.

"Worcestershire has a special standing in Pakistan due to its association with Imran Khan, and I am proud to be able to represent the same club as the great Imran," said Ajmal. "I am confident that with the help of Steve Rhodes and the boys at the club, I will settle in and give my all for the club in search of honours in 2011."