Melbourne Stars sign Ahmed Daniyal for BBL11

The Pakistani fast bowler impressed in the 2020-21 T10 League before taking six wickets in 10 appearances for Lahore Qalandars in his debut Pakistan Super League season

Melbourne Stars have signed Ahmed Daniyal for the remainder of the 2021-22 Big Bash season.

The Pakistani fast bowler, who arrived in Australia on Monday (December 6), will join the squad after completing his 72-hour mandatory quarantine.

The 24-year-old is the Stars’ third overseas signing of the week, joining Pakistan international Haris Rauf and West Indies allrounder Andre Russell. The former is available from December 27 while Russell signed a five-match contract, starting against Sydney Thunder on December 10.

Like Rauf, Daniyal is a product of the Lahore Qalandars talent programme and burst onto the scene in the 2020-21 T10 League, taking five wickets in eight appearances for Qalandars. 2021 also saw him make his Pakistan Super League bow, picking up six wickets in 10 matches.

^{Andre Russell and Haris Rauf have also signed for the Stars in the past week [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

Commenting on the newest addition to the Stars roster, general manager, Blair Crouch, said: "It's been a huge week of international signings at the Stars and we are looking forward to welcoming Ahmed Daniyal into the family.

"To have Andre Russell, Haris Rauf and Ahmed Daniyal commit to the club for BBL11 is a massive boost for the squad and for all of our fans, who we can't wait to see back at the MCG this summer to cheer on these world class players."

Melbourne Stars endured a difficult start to their BBL11 campaign, losing to Sydney Sixers by 152 runs at the SCG. Several key pace bowlers were missing for Glenn Maxwell’s side, with Nathan Coulter-Nile, Billy Stanlake and Liam Hatcher – who took a combined  37 wickets last season – all absent. Sam Elliott and Brody Couch made their debuts against the Sixers.

Described by Qalandars head coach Aaqib Javed as a "special talent" Daniyal’s arrival bolsters Melbourne’s pace attack but with just 10 T20 appearances to his name, inexperience remains a concern.

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Big Bash 2021-22 team guide: Melbourne Stars

Big Bash 2021-22 squads