Shakib signs for Worcestershire

London:

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has signed to play for Worcestershire next year, the English county announced on Wednesday.

Shakib, currently ranked as the best all-rounder in international one-day cricket, will join the county after the completion of Bangladesh's tour of England in mid-July.

Worcestershire's director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, said he was delighted to have signed one of the hottest properties in world cricket.

"I have been following his progress for some time and it is clear to me that he is a very good player," Rhodes said. "His current ICC rankings prove this and I know he is hungry for success. His all round skills will be a great boost to our young team for the business end of the season."

Shakib added: "I followed county cricket as a young player growing up and the opportunity to fulfil one of my ambitions by playing as an overseas player in England is one that excites me greatly.

"I consider it a huge honour to be the first Bangladeshi overseas player in county cricket and can't wait to give my all for the club on the field.

"County cricket has traditionally been the stage for the world's best players and it is a matter of great pride for me to be associated with a club that has an overwhelming history and had been home to so many legendary cricketers.

"Particularly as an all-rounder, I am thrilled and inspired to be joining the team once graced by Ian Botham, Imran Khan and Kapil Dev."

Shakib's growing stature was underlined last month when he was named as The Wisden Cricketer magazine's Test player of the year for 2009.