Surrey County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that Pakistani cricketer Azhar Mahmood has signed for Surrey as a short term replacement for Saqlain Mushtaq. Saqlain will return to the Club following New Zealand's international tour of Pakistan on the 15th May 2002.

Paul Sheldon Chief Executive of Surrey County Cricket Club stated: "Ben Hollioake's tragic death left a huge hole both on and off the field. Although we will never be able to replace what he brought to the Club off the pitch, Saqlain's absence through international duty has given us the opportunity to fill the void left by Ben and bring in an all rounder of international calibre."

Azhar Mahmood has played 113 One Day Internationals and 21 Tests. He is an explosive batsman - particularly in one-day cricket and is an extremely effective medium pace bowler.

Keith Medlycott 1st XI Manager stated: "Signing Azhar on a short term contract was very important to the Club. He will bring some invaluable experience and balance to the squad."

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