Shakib rejoins Worcestershire for 2011

Bangladesh's captain Shakib Al Hasan has agreed terms for a return to Worcestershire during the 2011 season, for a seven-week period that will encompass the Friends Provident Twenty20 tournament. The signing is subject to receiving a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Board and work permit approval.

Shakib made history in 2010 when he became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play county cricket, and he made a fine impression during his brief stint with Worcestershire, claiming 35 wickets in eight County Championship matches, including a spell of 7 for 32 as Middlesex were bowled out for 66 at Lord's.

"Shakib is still ranked as the world's leading one-day allrounder according to the ICC rankings, above the names of Watson and Kallis," said Worcestershire's Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes. "We are delighted to welcome back someone of such stature who will be a valuable asset to our Championship and Twenty20 campaigns during his stay. His commitments with Bangladesh means that his stay is only for a short period, but expect some fireworks from Shakib in the middle of the season."

The signing is Worcestershire's third of the past week, following the recent appointments of Damien Wright and Saeed Ajmal. "The recent signings will give experience throughout the summer and I can see this being a real asset to the development of a young squad," added Rhodes.

Shakib commented: "My first season with Worcestershire in county cricket has made me a better professional and hopefully, a better player and I have realised how important a role the championship plays in the development of cricketers."