KARACHI, Nov 7: Pakistan’s wily off-spinner Saeed Ajmal said on Wednesday he was thrilled at joining Adelaide Strikers for the Australian Big Bash Twenty20 league next month.

He is one of three Pakistan players who have signed to play in Australia’s Twenty20 event, along with flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and dashing young batsman Umar Akmal.

Saeed is the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 Internationals, with 69 from 48 matches, seven ahead of Afridi, who is joining Sydney Thunder. He is also the world number on ODI bowler.

“I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikers and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in the BBL [Big Bash League],” Saeed said.

“I am very keen to meet up with the rest of the boys soon and play my best in the games that I am available, with the hope that Adelaide make the final stages and I can return to help win the competition.”

But the Pakistan trio’s participation in the Big Bash will be interrupted by their country’s hotly-anticipated limited-overs tour to India — the arch-rivals’ first full bilateral series in five years.

Saeed will be available for the Strikers’ first match, against the Perth Scorchers on Dec 9, and is likely to return to play the remaining matches of the league after the India tour.

Umar Akmal will play for Sydney Sixers and is expected to be available for the side’s first three matches.—AFP