Faheem Ashraf set for Northants T20 deal

Northamptonshire are closing in on the signing of Faheem Ashraf for the Vitality Blast.

ESPNcricinfo understand Faheem, the Pakistan allrounder, has agreed a contract with the club and expects to be available for the entire duration of the 2019 T20 season in England.

The competition starts in mid-July - immediately after the World Cup - with the group stages finishing on August 30 and Finals Day taking place on September 21. Pakistan do not currently have any international commitments during that period.

While Faheem first gained attention as a seamer - he has opened the bowling for Pakistan in most of his recent international appearances - his explosive batting offers Northants huge potential. He has, at this stage, just one career T20 half-century to his name - and a best of 21 at international level - but could well prosper if utilised as a pinch-hitter.

He memorably exploited a short boundary mercilessly in thrashing 60 from 34 balls in a Champions Trophy warm-up match against Bangladesh at Edgbaston last year.

Northants, who have denied Faheem's signing, have previously announced the signing of South Africa's Temba Bavuma as an overseas player in the County Championship.