Sussex sign Mushtaq Ahmed

Sussex CCC are pleased to announce that they have signed Mushtaq Ahmed, 32, as their second overseas player for the 2003 season.

Mushtaq Ahmed played for Surrey this season as Saqlain Mushtaq's replacement and was previously playing for Little Stoke CC in Manchester. Ahmed has played 50 Test matches and 143 One Day Internationals. He is a leg spin bowler and was named Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1997.

Commenting on the signing, Peter Moores, Cricket Manager, said: "It is fantastic news that Mushtaq Ahmed has agreed to come to Sussex with depth of international experience and knowledge of bowling in all conditions. Mushtaq will contribute an added variation to our attack and crucially will help to open sides up on flat wickets which has sometimes been a problem in the past. His commitment to come back and prove he is still one of the world's top flight spinners came across loud and clear and a hungry man with talent is one to watch."

Nigel Russell, Chief Executive added: "Mushtaq's signing considerably widens our bowling options, an area which has been occasionally inhibited in the past and will allow us to challenge vigorously for the Championship in the future. We are looking forward to welcoming him to Hove."