Sangakkara joins Hobart Hurricanes

Kumar Sangakkara has signed with the Hobart Hurricanes for the 2015-16 BBL season. Sangakkara will join West Indies allrounder Darren Sammy as the overseas signings for the Hurricanes next summer after they missed out on reaching the semi-finals last season.

"Kumar's signing is not only huge for the Hobart Hurricanes but for the Big Bash League overall," Hurricanes coach Damien Wright said. "There is no doubt that this is a really exciting signing for BBL05.

"Kumar is not only an extremely talented batsman but also a leader which is also fantastic. With both Darren Sammy and Kumar joining our club and also many local favourites our members and fans will be in for a treat."

Sangakkara retired from one-day internationals after this year's World Cup and has played 130 Tests, 404 ODIs and 56 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka. Sangakkara said he was excited to be joining the Hurricanes on a two-year deal.

"The Big Bash League is a fun, exciting and family friendly league with a very high quality of cricket," Sangakkara said. "There are so many great players involved and I am really looking forward to the challenge.

"I have always loved Hobart when visiting with the Sri Lankan team, the people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful and I am looking forward to spending more time there and getting to see more of it."