Somerset ropes in Babar Azam for T20 Blast
"To be able to sign a player of the calibre of Babar Azam is tremendously exciting," said Andy Hurry
(Web Desk) – Somerset, English country, signed ICC number one T20 batsman Babar Azam for T20 Vitality Blast 2019 for strong batting line-up.
According to ICC, the top-order batsman has mind-boggling numbers in the shortest format at international level, with 1,182 runs from 29 matches at an average of 53.72.
He will be available for all 14 of Somerset’s group stage games as well as the quarter-finals, but participation beyond that is subject to international commitments.
"I am looking forward to the new challenge that playing T20 cricket in England will bring," he said. "I have heard good things about Somerset from Azhar Ali and I want to play a part in the club winning matches. I know that Somerset get good support and I hope that I can give them something to cheer about this year."
For the club, Azam’s selection is doubly positive, not only because of the quality he possesses but also because of his confirmed availability for major part of the tournament, which is a rarity for many active international cricketers.
Questions have been raised about Pakistan s power-hitting abilities, including by their coach, but @babarazam258 is backing his skills ahead of #CWC19.
— ICC (@ICC) April 22, 2019
https://t.co/O4jz0eikmx pic.twitter.com/I4wEyKB9HW
"To be able to sign a player of the calibre of Babar Azam is tremendously exciting," said Andy Hurry, Somerset’s Director of Cricket. "He is a proven performer at the very highest level and that is highlighted by the fact that he is the top-rated international T20 batsman in the world."
"Obviously, everyone wants to sign a world-class performer but we feel that continuity of selection is equally important. For us it is about securing the services of someone as talented as Babar Azam for more than just a handful of fixtures."
Azam’s priority is the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, which starts on 30 May and is due to run until 14 July. With the World Cup to be played in England and Wales, Azam will gain good familiarity of those conditions by the time the T20 Blast comes around.
