Glamorgan in talks to sign Afridi

Glamorgan are in talks to sign Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder, for their Twenty20 campaign this summer.

"We want a top-class player who will win us matches and also drag people through the gate and Afridi is someone who fits the bill," Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan's cricket manager, said. "It's up to the Pakistan board to agree to release him for that period of his contract."

There were rumours last week that Glamorgan were trying to sign Brian Lara, but the club denied the suggestion vehemently. Whether they sign Afridi or another big name from overseas, Glamorgan desperately need to improve on a poor performance last year in which they finished bottom of their division, with just one win in eight matches.

"Afridi is one of only half a dozen players in the world who would help the team progress in the competition but also benefit us commercially by filling our magnificent new stadium. That's the purpose," said Maynard. "I'm keen to sign a big name player for the Twenty 20 window and there are only a small pool of big names still available.

"Virander Sehwag and Yurvaj Singh are also possibilities. Sachin Tendulkar was another option. But he's not been a great Twenty 20 player. We need a player who contributes in all aspects."

The PCB, however, have yet to release Afridi or Danish Kaneria who is due to play for Essex. A executive board meeting will be held on March 8, when more strict guidelines on the use of Pakistan players in country cricket are expected to be unveiled.