Hants add Sohail Tanvir for T20

Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistan allrounder, is set to join Hampshire for all formats from May 23 until the end of the group matches of the Friends Life t20.

Tanvir will be Hampshire's second overseas player and will join Australia's George Bailey for the defence of their T20 title.

Tanvir, 28, is currently out of contention for Pakistan. He was named in the 30-man preliminarily squad for the Champions Trophy but failed to find a place in the final 15. He last featured for Pakistan against India for a T20 International last year in Ahmedabad. Afterwards he was dropped for Pakistan's tour of South Africa but was recalled for the final two ODIs but never made into the XI.

"Tanvir will be playing for Hampshire until the end of the T20 competition," Umran Khan, Tanvir's agent told ESPNcricinfo. "It's a full contract with an understanding to play from May 23 that includes all the formats. He has already applied for a visa."

For the last two years, Hants had tried to sign the flamboyant Shahid Afridi, who had a successful stay in 2011 - taking 17 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 11.17. He was due to return in 2012 but encountered visa delays and never made it.

Tanvir, who played for South African side Highveld Lions in last year's Champions League, was due to play for Worcestershire but that contract was cancelled after visa problems. According to his initial contract understanding with Hants, he will be playing until July 31, so will be available for the Sri Lanka Premier League from August 10.

"Initially I am looking at the end of the T20 group stage," Tanvir said. "But I can miss the two three matches of Sri Lanka League to extend my stay for Hants."