Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi roped in by top T20 Leagues

Australia’s Melbourne Stars franchise, which feature in the Big Bash League (BBL), signed Pakistan’s fast-bowler Haris Rauf as an oversees replacement for South Africa’s injured fast-bowler Dale Steyn on Thursday.

Steyn, who is yet to recover from a side strain, is not expected to recover in time for the first game of the tournament. The fast-bowler picked up the injury during the Mzansi Super League.

Melbourne Stars’ Physiotherapist Tommy Simsek stated that the team would allow Steyn time to rest so that his injury is not aggravated.

"Our priority is Dale's fitness and continuing his treatment. He is very keen to play but we'll let him rest after a long flight to Australia and put him in the best position to be ready for our match in Moe on Sunday," said Simsek.

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Rauf played for the Lahore Qalandars franchise in the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2019.

The fast-bowler has featured in 18 Twenty20’s (T20’s) and has taken 19 wickets at the average of 24.21.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s young pace sensation Shaheen Shah is expected to be a part of Hampshire in the Vitality Blast in 2020.

Shaheen, who has become the pace spearhead of the national side in all formats, will play as an overseas player in the tournament.

"I am delighted to sign with Hampshire for the upcoming Vitality Blast competition," said Shaheen. "I have always enjoyed playing in England in front of the fantastic fans and I look forward to joining this historic club for my first experience of county cricket."

Hampshire’s Director of Cricket Giles White expressed his delight at the inclusion of Shaheen who he believed would add an extra dimension to the attack.

"A lot of the best sides in T20 cricket possess a very good bowling attack and Shaheen adds an extra dimension to the group we have, offering excellent accuracy, pace and lots of variations. He's an emerging young talent in world cricket so we're delighted to have him on board for next summer's Vitality Blast," said White.