Derbyshire secure Pierson and Afridi

Derbyshire CCC have today secured the signatures of Adrian Pierson as Club Coach on a one-year contract, and Pakistani international cricketer Shahid Afridi as replacement second overseas player for the period of April and May 2003.

Afridi, an aggressive all round cricketer, has signed initially for the first two months of the season, given that Nathan Astle is presently contracted to Derbyshire between June and September 2003.

However, Astle's chances of joining up with the Club have been the subject of debate following his recent knee injury, and Derbyshire await a report from New Zealand Cricket before taking any further action on a potential replacement for Astle, or an extension of Afridi's contract, should it be required.

"Being able to sign an exciting cricketer such as Shahid is a further boost to the Club, and evidence that high quality players want to join our promising squad," said Derbyshire's chief executive John Smedley.

"As coach, Adrian Pierson will continue the good work as we seek to perform to a high standard in all competitions."