AZHAR MAHMOOD is to return to Surrey for this year's Friends Life t20 campaign.
The Pakistan all-rounder, who spent six years at the club between 2002 and 2007, is currently impressing with Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, but he will join up with Surrey ahead of their first T20 fixture in June.
A fans favourite at the Kia Oval, Mahmood qualifies as a non-overseas player having become a British citizen in 2011 and he says he is excited about "coming home" to Surrey, adding that it feels very special to be returning.
He said: "Obviously it is a very different set up to when I was last at Surrey and Twenty20 cricket has gone from strength to strength so it's exciting times ahead. I like the squad Surrey have for Twenty20. It looks strong and a real mix of youth and experience, and I look forward to catching up with the guys when I get back from India."
Surrey team director Chris Adams added that to have such a high skilled player of Mahmood's quality was a real bonus for the club, adding that he comes with a wealth of experience and a great record behind him.