Samit Patel joins Warriors for T20

Samit Patel, the England allrounder, has signed as an overseas player for Warriors in South Africa's domestic Twenty20 tournament.

He is currently in New Zealand and will arrive in Port Elizabeth on February 25 to be available for the rest of the tournament. The final takes place on April 7 with Nottinghamshire's first County Championship match, against Middlesex, starting on April 10.

"I'm very excited to be joining the Chevrolet Warriors," Patel said. "I've heard fantastic things about the team and the area. The Warriors have a history of doing well in this format and I hope I can add something extra and make this year a winning season. I want to thank my county in England for releasing me to play and speaking to the staff at the Warriors I really can't wait to start."

Patel was among the Nottinghamshire players barred from going into the IPL auction by their county coach Mike Newell. Unlike the IPL, however, South Africa's tournament takes place out of the English domestic season and will not require Patel to miss any county cricket even if Warriors make it to the final.

Patel, 28, has played 18 T20 internationals for England and was approached about appearing in the now-delayed Pakistan Super League.