West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine has been re-signed by Surrey for the 2023 T20 Blast.
However, the mystery spinner could be available for T20 Blast selection once those commitments are over as he is with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
The West Indian spinner represented the club in last season’s quarter-final run, scoring 199 runs at a strike rate of 163.11 and taking 14 wickets (economy 5.96).
A veteran of the T20 franchise circuit, the 34-year-old has chalked up 435 matches worldwide, scoring 3,355 runs at a strike rate of over 140 and taking 474 wickets. 51 matches have come for the West Indies team.
He is the second overseas signing to commit to Surrey in the past fortnight, with Australian Sean Abbott set to represent both the County Championship and T20 Blast from April to July.
Besides Narine’s compatriot, Kemar Roach, is in the state championship for the first two months of the season. Commenting on his return to Surrey, Narine said:
“I am thrilled to return to the Kia Oval to play for Surrey in the Vitality Blast again. Getting knocked out in the quarter-final last year was a real disappointment with the team we had. I know we can do better this year and will do what I can to help get us to Finals Day.”
“Between Surrey and the Oval Invincibles, the Oval is genuinely a second home for me in the English summer.”
Director of Cricket Alec Stewart said:
“We saw what Sunil was all about in 2022, so I’m delighted to be bringing a player of his calibre back to Surrey.”
“He is a world-class cricketer, capable of producing magic with both the bat and ball. I know members and supporters will be excited by the prospect of his return.”
“He, along with the rest of us, was disappointed last year when we didn’t quite make it to Finals Day, so I’m sure he’ll be coming back in 2023 with a real hunger to put that right.”