Sohail Tanvir happy with Surrey contract

Pakistan's discarded paceman Sohail Tanvir said Friday he was honoured to win a one-year contract with English county side Surrey, saying it could help him win back his place in the national team.

The 25-year-old left-arm paceman, omitted from Pakistan's five-match one-day series against Sri Lanka starting next week, said he would try to benefit from the opportunity.

"I am very honoured and excited at getting a one-year deal with a renowned county like Surrey," Tanvir told AFP. "I hope a stint with Surrey will help me get fitter and regain my form, and with it I get my Pakistan place back."

Tanvir has been off form since he was the leading wicket-taker for Rajhastan Royals in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League last year.

He was dropped from the Pakistan team after the first one-day international against Sri Lanka this year before being recalled for the limited over series against Australia in April-May, where he again failed to impress.

He was part of Pakistan's triumphant World Twenty20 squad but was again ineffective in the matches he played. AFP