With India scheduled to have a lean season following the World Cup in South Africa, all counties in England are bracing themselves for a massive influx of cricketers. While it is rumoured that Punjab off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is headed for Lancashire and Virender Sehwag may make a temporary home for himself at Sussex, news has just come in of the first step towards a signing. Mohammad Kaif, star of India's triumph in the NatWest triangular series, has agreed to play a four-day and one-day match for Leicestershire.

More than a week ago, news came in that Leicestershire were interested in signing up the middle-order batsman, but wanted to give him the chance to prove himself in a couple of games. As it turned out, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially refused to release Kaif, who along with Dinesh Mongia, was asked to stay back in England after success in the one-dayers. However, the Uttar Pradesh batsman has hardly been in contention for a place in the Test side with the middle order comprising Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.

Keen to stay fit and in touch with the game, Kaif has worked hard in the nets and even supplemented that by playing in a club game. Earlier today, it was learned that the BCCI had done a volte face and granted Kaif permission to `try out' for Leicester.

Kaif will now play a 4-day match against Surrey in the Frizzell County Championship from 14-17 August, and a Norwich Union League match on the 18th against Yorkshire. Both games are home fixtures for Leicestershire at Grace Road.

With regulations changing from the coming season, each county side will be allowed to field two overseas players instead of one. This has already meant that a host of players will make the journey to England to play cricket. This includes high profile cricketers like Steve Waugh for Kent and Mark Waugh for Essex.

Although Leicestershire are hardly the richest county on the circuit, the experience should hold the 21-year old Kaif in good stead. Aussie all-rounder Michael Bevan is currently Leicestershire's overseas cricketer, although he is often away doing duty for Australia. Javagal Srinath, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket and was later dropped from the one-day side, is due to join Leicestershire for a stint.

© CricInfo Ltd.