Leicestershire CCC are delighted to announce the signing of Pakistan international Naseem Shah on a short-term deal to start the Vitality Blast.

Leicestershire have signed Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah on short notice to start the Vitality Blast.

Naseem will act as a replacement for overseas Afghan player Naveen-ul-Haq, who is currently in the IPL play-offs with the Lucknow Super Giants. Naseem was due to arrive in England on Tuesday and be available for Leicestershire's blast opener against Lancashire on Thursday.

Naseem, who is capable of regularly bowling in excess of 90mph, is expected to land in the UK on Tuesday night and meet up with his new team-mates in Lancashire ahead of Thursday's T20 opener.

Naveen is also expected to miss games against Birmingham Bears (May 26) and Worcestershire Rapids (May 29).

Naseem's stint could be extended if the Super Giants advance to the finals on Sunday (May 28), but initially only for the first three games, beginning Thursday at Old Trafford.

An all-format Pakistan international, Naseem has recorded 73 wickets in 76 T20 games with a saving rate of 7.80.

He played three times for Gloucestershire at the Blast last season, a stint interrupted by being forced to leave the club for personal reasons. After being called up by Pakistan he also had to retire from the men's hundred as he was supposed to be representing Welsh Fire.

"I'm really excited to be here with the Foxes at the start of the Vitality Blast," he said. "I can't wait to meet my team-mates and help win games for Leicestershire."

Cricket Director Claude Henderson added: "Having had Naveen in the IPL playoffs we had to make a decision quickly and we are delighted to have secured someone of Naseem's calibre."

He has proven to be a world class player in T20 cricket and we look forward to seeing him in the Leicestershire shirt soon.

Naseem becomes the youngest Pakistan international to represent the Foxes, joining the likes of Mohammad Abbas, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Umar Akmal.