Glamorgan have confirmed the signing of South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn for a seven-match stint in the NatWest T20 Blast.
The 32-year-old will arrive in Cardiff once his Indian Premier League commitments with Gujarat Lions are completed and he is scheduled to feature in home games against Essex Eagles, Hampshire, Kent Spitfires and Surrey at The Swalec Stadium.
If the Lions make the final of the competition on Sunday 29 May, then Steyn will miss the Surrey fixture and face a race against time to take his place against Essex on Wednesday 1 June.
“We’ve had to remain patient in our search for overseas talent this season, but we’re delighted to have got this deal over the line,” said Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris.
“Dale’s standing in the international game is testament to the talent and consistency that he continues to display in all formats and we look forward to welcoming him to our club.
“The opportunity to sign a player of this calibre was one that we had to take and we can’t wait for him to wear a Glamorgan shirt.”
Steyn’s international record includes 406 wickets in 82 Test appearances, 112 One-Day Internationals and 42 T20 Internationals.
His signature has been sought-after in the world’s leading T20 competitions with million-dollar bids from IPL franchises where he has previously represented Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad while Jamaica Tallawahs will host him for this year’s Caribbean Premier League.
Steyn will renew his acquaintance with compatriots Jacques Rudolph and Colin Ingram in Cardiff and hopes to help Glamorgan establish a strong footing in the south group.
“The timing of this opportunity is ideal and there is no better way to prepare than playing in the IPL,” said Steyn.
“I know that Jacques and the rest of the team have set an initial target of qualifying for the quarter-finals and I will do all that I can to give the team the best possible start.
“It’s also a valuable opportunity to get some overs under the belt in the lead up to the SA Test series in a controlled T20 environment.”
Steyn’s stay will be followed by the arrival of Shaun Tait who will spearhead the Glamorgan attack for the second half of the NatWest T20 Blast campaign.