Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan confirmed on Friday that he had agreed a deal to play for English county Surrey.
Dilshan, who is one of the game’s most innovative top-order batsmen as well as a fine spin bowler, will be available from next week’s Twenty20 tournament match against Hampshire until the middle of August.
He replaces South African Hashim Amla, who has been with Surrey on a short-term contract since compatriot Graeme Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Dilshan will miss a brief spell of Surrey’s campaign when he joins up with Sri Lanka for a three-match one-day series against South Africa before returning to the Oval.
The 37-year-old, who has never played county cricket before, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to play for Surrey.
“They are one of the most historic clubs in the world and I very much hope to make a big impact whilst there. I’ve enjoyed playing at the Oval in the past and look forward to returning there with Surrey.”
Sri Lanka are currently playing a Test series in England, but Dilshan has stepped down from the five-day format, making him available to sign on with Surrey.
Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, added: “There is a great deal of limited-overs cricket to be played in July and August and it is a big boost to be able to draw on someone with his huge experience and skills.”
