Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf will return to the Melbourne Stars for the ongoing edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

According to the club’s official website, Rauf will join the team in January next year.  

“With changes to international commitments and scheduling, 27 year-old Rauf is now available to play for the club in January,” Stars said in a statement.

Rauf stole the limelight in his debut BBL season, last year, taking 20 wickets in 10 matches, including a memorable hat-trick against the Sydney Thunder and five wickets against the Hobart Hurricanes.

“I’m very happy that I can come back to the Melbourne Stars this season and play at the MCG again,” said Rauf.

“It was an unbelievable journey last season and changed my life in so many ways. The Stars fans were very supportive of me and I can’t wait to play in front of them again. The support of all the Pakistan community in Melbourne was fantastic and hopefully we can put in some big performances this season,” he added.

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Melbourne Stars Head Coach and former Aussie cricketer David Hussey also welcomed Rauf’s return.

“Haris was one the best stories of last season and made an incredible contribution for us. His energy was fantastic for the team and we’re really pleased to have him coming back. Haris gives us another dimension and threat in our bowling attack with his raw pace,” said Hussey.

Rauf is expected to arrive in early January and be available until the start of February.

The tournament, which started on December 10, will conclude with the final on February 6.