Razzaq signs for Middlesex

Pakistan Test all-rounder Abdur Razzaq has signed a two-year contract with the English county side Middlesex, according to details available here Wednesday.

Razzaq, who toured England with the Pakistan squad recently, will play for the division two county side in 2002 and 2003.

Middlesex coach John Emburey was delighted at Razzaq's signing for the north London club.

"We were primarily looking for a strike bowler and Razzaq fits the bill perfectly. He is a magnificent addition to our squad and the club is very excited at obtaining his services for the next two years," the former England off-spinner commented.

Razzaq, who bats and bowls right-handed, was also quite excited. "Once I knew of their interest, Middlesex was the only place I wanted to go. The prospect of playing at Lord's is a dream come true."

Thus, Razzaq is tipped to join compatriot Saqlain Mushtaq on the county circuit next year. Saqlain, the 24-year-old off-spinner, has been one of Surrey's star performers. The south London county won the County Championship in the past two seasons - 1999 and 2000 - with Saqlain playing a pivotal role.

Middlesex also announced the signing of left-handed opening batsman Sven Koenig for the 2002 season. He qualifies under the European Union (EU) Regulations as he is an Italian national.

Koenig topped the South African first-class averages in the 2000-01 season at an average of 63.09.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is Middlesex's current overseas player.

Emburey paid tribute to the Kiwi left-handed batsman. "Stephen has done a magnificent job for us and I am certain he will continue to do so until the end of the season. Due to international commitments, he is unable to return next year.

"Both he and Justin Langer (the Australian Test left-hander) have been outstanding ambassadors and Middlesex were fortunate to have these two great players over the past four seasons."

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi, the hard-hitting Pakistan all-rounder, made an inauspicious start to his short stint with Leicestershire in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy one-day fixture against Nottingham at Trent Bridge Wednesday.

Afridi, who joined the Midland county side after Leicestershire's overseas signing Daniel Marsh, the Tasmanian all-rounder, sustained a serious injury during a championship match against Surrey last week.

The 21-year-old Afridi claimed two wickets for 40 runs in eight overs with his brisk leg-spinners as Nottinghamshire were restricted to 176 in 40.4 overs. The right-hander then smashed 23 off 28 balls with two fours and one six before he was caught behind by wicket-keeper Chris Read off paceman Greg Smith.

Marsh, the 27-year-old son of ex-Australian Test wicket-keeper Rodney, has been ruled out of the remainder of the current English season.

Afridi will stay with Leceistershire until Sept 6, when he is required to join the Pakistan squad.

Azhar Mahmood is set to make his debut for Kent later this week. The all-rounder, like Afridi, has signed an abbreviated contract for a reported sum of 20,000 pounds as a late replacement for South African Test batsman Daryll Cullinan, who was forced to terminate his stint following a knee injury.