SUSSEX Cricket has announced the signing of Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for the majority of the 2022 season.

Mohammad will join Sussex following Australia’s tour of Pakistan that concludes in early April.

He will then be available in both Championship and T20 cricket until the end of the Vitality Blast in mid-July.

Rizwan is regarded as one of the most accomplished keepers in the world, the 29-year-old from Peshawar also has a formidable batting record in all formats.

The Argus: Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan bats during the Twenty20 International match at Emerald Headingley, Leeds. Picture date: Sunday July 18, 2021.Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan bats during the Twenty20 International match at Emerald Headingley, Leeds. Picture date: Sunday July 18, 2021.

In first-class cricket, Mohammad averages over 43 with the bat, including nearly 1,000 runs in 19 Test matches at an average of over 42.

He enjoyed significant success in English conditions during Pakistan’s three-match Test series in 2020, averaging over 40, being named Pakistan’s player of the series and being described by Nasser Hussain as “the best for a long, long time” when it came to touring wicketkeepers.

In 54 T20Is, Mohammad averages a stunning 50.06 with the bat at a strike-rate of 126.6.

He was also the third highest run-scorer in the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scoring 281 runs in six innings as Pakistan made it to the semi-finals, and is now ranked by the ICC as the world’s fourth best batter in men’s T20Is.

Mohammad was full of positivity after signing for Sussex, sending this message to the club’s supporters: “Dear Sussex Family, assalamu alaikum.

The Argus: Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan hits for six during day three of the Third Test match at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan hits for six during day three of the Third Test match at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

“I am absolutely honoured and excited to be a part of the historic Sussex County Cricket Club for the 2022 season. I have always heard great things about the Sussex community and this family club was always close to my heart.

“In my heart, I know our young team has the potential to beat any team.

“Our strength lies in our hard work, honesty, deep commitment, and self-belief.

“We can win, we will win, and we will play like champions, no matter what. In shaa Allah, I look forward to a great season.”

Ian Salisbury, Sussex’s Championship and One-Day head coach, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to act quickly over the last week or so to secure the services of one of the world’s best keeper-batters as a replacement.

The Argus: Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan bats during the Twenty20 International match at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday July 20, 2021.Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan bats during the Twenty20 International match at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday July 20, 2021.

“Mohammad’s first-class and Test records speak for themselves and it’s a huge coup to welcome him to Sussex for a big chunk of next season’s Championship.

“As well as his playing credentials, it’s clear from speaking to people like Mushy [Mushtaq Ahmed] and Saqlain [Mushtaq] that Mohammad will also be a wonderful addition to the dressing room.

“He and Travis [Head] are exactly the kind of experienced, international cricketers that our emerging lads can learn a huge amount from.

“Oli [Carter] has mentioned in the past how Mohammad is a big hero of his, so he is particularly excited.

“We all are, to be honest. It’s fantastic news and we can now get on with preparations for next summer with key positions filled.”