Kent capture Arafat

23 September 2006

Yasir Arafat in action during a successful spell with Sussex this season © Getty Images

Kent have confirmed the signing of Yasir Arafat as their second overseas player for next season.

The former Pakistan fast bowler will join South Africa all-rounder Andrew Hall at Canterbury in 2007.

Arafat played an important role in Sussex’s Liverpool Victoria County Championship triumph this summer when he acted as cover for Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.

Kent director of cricket Graham Ford said: “We are pleased to confirm that Yasir Arafat has agreed to join us next season as our second overseas player and he will partner Andrew Hall to help our 2007 challenge.”

Ford also revealed that is keen to bolster his squad after the announcement that five players - David Fulton, Simon Cusden, Matt Dennington, Niall O’Brien and David Stiff - will be released at the end of the season.

“I believe we have made good progress in a number of areas this year, but as always we are looking to improve the squad for next season,” Ford said.

“In addition, we are looking to strengthen the squad further particularly in the seam bowling area.”