LONDON (Web Desk) - Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has signed to play for Warwickshire in the upcoming Vitality T20 Blast. Tariq, 28, is expected to be available for the full Blast campaign before taking part in the Hundred, where he will also be based at Edgbaston with Birmingham Phoenix.
Tariq's rise to prominence has been rapid, with less than two years between his senior T20 debut and being capped by Pakistan. In nine T20Is, he has taken 18 wickets at 11.16 with an economy of 6.66, bowling a mixture of offbreaks, googlies and flicked legbreaks - all accompanied by a trademark pause in his delivery before releasing the ball.
His prolific form in the PSL has led to appearances in the CPL, ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10, and he is now set for a first stint in county cricket with Warwickshire.
"Usman is exactly the type of high-impact player we want to bring into Warwickshire, so we're delighted to get this deal completed," James Thomas, Warwickshire's performance director, said. "His skill set and tactical awareness make him a genuine threat in modern white-ball cricket, but it's his hunger to compete and continually improve that really stands out.
"What makes this signing particularly exciting is the alignment between Warwickshire and Birmingham Phoenix. Bringing Usman into the Bears for the Vitality Blast, before transitioning into the Hundred with the Phoenix, reflects the strength of our integrated model across club and franchise.
"It allows us to create continuity for the player, maximise performance impact across both competitions, and build stronger connections with our supporters in Birmingham and Warwickshire. Ultimately, this is about strengthening the team, the franchise, and our presence in the area and we believe Usman can play a key role in that this summer."
Tariq added: "I am very excited to bring more fun and energy to the Bears. I can't wait to get involved with the squad and it's a great feeling to be part of this team. I hope to see as many people as possible at Edgbaston this summer."
Warwickshire have lost Moeen Ali (Yorkshire) from the side that lost to Somerset in last season's quarter-final but have added Jordan Thompson, while Beau Webster will join Tariq as their other overseas player.