With the dust having settled from the plethora of signings announced by the other franchises, Hong Kong Island United have today unveiled their signings for the DTC Hong Kong T20 Blitz.
With that in mind, we are not only revealing one player, but all four of our new international signings, including our Associate player.
With current Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq already having been announced, United have unveiled England batsman Ian Bell, West Indies spinner Samuel Badree, Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal and Scotland batsman George Munsey as our four other overseas players.
Bell, a five-time Ashes winner, comes to us hot off a title-winning campaign with the Perth Scorchers in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), where he scored 231 runs in 10 matches at an average of 33.
He said “The chance to come to Hong Kong was a chance too good to miss. I love the city and have watched with interest the rise of the Hong Kong national team. I look forward to helping the local youngsters.”
The 34-year-old also brings a wealth of experience, having played in 118 Tests, 161 ODIs and eight Twenty20 Internationals.
Ajmal has made quite a name for himself in international cricket and has 85 wickets to his name at an average of 17.83 after featuring in 64 Twenty20 Internationals. The 39-year-old will be on the hunt for more wickets from March 8-12 and had this to say…
"I look forward to playing in the Blitz. I've been part of the United family for the past 15 months, and the dedication and professionalism they've shown gives me full confidence that both the league and the team, HKIU, will be successful in their aims."
Badree, at one point, was the top-ranked Twenty20 bowler in the world and stayed at the summit for a lengthy period of time. With his leg-spin having troubled batsmen all over the world, we have no doubt he will continue to bamboozle his opponents at the Hong Kong T20 Blitz. In true Calypso style he had this to say about coming to Hong Kong…"I'm really excited to be part of the Hong Kong T20 Blitz. It promises to be lots of fun with plenty of action. I look forward to showcasing my talent and experience of playing in the best t20 leagues in the work to Hong Kong Island United, I Can't wait to get over and get the excitement started!"
Munsey is a highly talented opening batsman that has played in 17 Twenty20 Internationals. With a top-score of 62 not out and having played in Hong Kong last year, we are brimming with excitement to see Munsey light up Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.
Head Coach Ryan Campbell said of his signings, “The Blitz is going to be a high class competition, to compete we needed to invest in high quality overseas players and I am over the moon with our signings. Three super batsmen & 2 of the best spinners in the world, all with a wealth of experience, a coach can’t ask for more.”
HKI United CEO Amna Naqvi said "We've worked with Ajmal and Badree extensively over the past twelve months and we're sure there isn't anyone better for this role. Considering what they’ve already achieved with Islamabad United I'm sure a repeat of that for HKI United is something they are fully capable of. Furthermore it creates a synergy between our two franchises, and shows that as far as cricket is concerned we are all part of one great family. Adding Ian Bell to that family is the cream on top, a tremendous player who will teach our kids so much.”