WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids have added Pakistan international leg-spinner Usama Mir to their squad for the start of the 2023 T20 Vitality Blast that begins next week. 

The 27-year-old arrives as cover for fellow international overseas signing Mitchell Santner, whose return to Worcester could be delayed by his involvement with the Chennai Super Kings in the latter stages of the Indian Premier League. 

Mir will be available for the away game with Northamptonshire Steelbacks (May 24) and the home fixtures with Yorkshire Vikings (May 26) and Leicestershire Foxes (May 29).

Worcestershire Chairman Paul Pridgeon said: "We have signed Usama Mir for the first three games of the Blast following Mitchell Santner’s side reaching the knockout stages of the IPL.

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"He is a leg spinner who bats a bit, and he is already the country. He is playing club cricket for Colwyn Bay and got 140 odd for them on Saturday.

"He has played the last six ODIs for Pakistan and made a good impression, and he has also had a good impact in the most recent Pakistan Super League, which is a good pedigree.

"We hope that Usama can help us get off to a good start in the Blast before Mitchell joins us for the rest of the competition."

Usama will be reunited with Central Punjab teammate Azhar Ali upon his arrival at New Road, who play together in Pakistan’s first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Usama made his debut for Pakistan in an ODI against New Zealand in January, and he has featured in a total of six 50-over internationals, all against the Black Caps.

He has taken ten wickets at an economy rate of 5.29, with a best of 4-43 in Karachi earlier this month.

Usama also significantly impacted the 2023 Pakistan Super League and finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.93.

He helped his side Multan Sultans to reach the final, and he had figures of 3-24 against Lahore Qalandars only to lose out on title glory by one run.

Usama was also part of the Muzzaffarabad Tigers team, which reached the final of the 2021 Kashmir Premier League and had his side’s best bowling figures of 2-25.

But again, he had to settle for a runners-up medal against Rawalakot Hawks, whose side included Worcestershire’s Kashif Ali.