Hampshire sign West Indies star

Darren Sammy playing at the Ageas Bowl for the West Indies in 2012. Picture: Robin Jones

The West Indies all-rounder, who has starred in the shortest format of the game all over the world, will arrive at the Ageas Bowl in time for the opening clash with Kent Spitfires on Thursday, June 2.

And he will be available for Dale Benkenstein’s side until his Caribbean Premier League commitments begin at the start of July.

The big-hitting St Lucian, who has had previous spells in the English game with Glamorgan and Nottinghamshire, said: ‘I love playing in the UK and I’m really excited to have signed with Hampshire.

‘Hampshire have had strong T20 results in the past which I’m hoping will continue this coming summer.

‘They also have a rich West Indian history which I’m looking forward to adding to the best I can.

‘I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates in June.’

Sammy, 32, has skippered the West Indies to an unbeaten start in the current World T20 in India, which included a six-wicket demolition of England.

He was also part of the Pakistan Super League team, Peshawar Zalmi, led by fellow Hampshire all-rounder Shahid Afridi earlier this year.

Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, is hopeful Sammy can contribute to another successful t20 campaign.

He said: ‘We are very proud of our t20 record and hopefully Darren can contribute to another successful campaign.

‘He’s an explosive player and an infectious character which was what we were looking for. It will be great having him around.’

Meanwhile, Yasir Arafat this week joined Somerset on loan for the season after 22 matches for Hampshire last summer.

White added: ‘Reece Topley will be bowling our death overs in one day cricket and the opportunity for young bowlers to push for places will potentially narrow the playing prospects for Yasir.

‘It seems right to allow a player of his experience to play at a club that can guarantee him game time.’

You can catch Sammy, Afridi & Co at the Ageas Bowl with a NatWest T20 Blast Passport.

The tickets are available for just £99 and is your pass to all the action – entitling you to admission to all seven of Hampshire’s home matches.

You can purchase the passport online at eticketing.co.uk/ageasbowl, over the phone on (023) 8047 5606 or by visiting the Ageas Bowl ticket & membership office during normal working hours.