Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghanistan spinner, will return to Middlesex for the 2021 Vitality Blast. Mujeeb, 19, played for the club in 2019 and has re-signed after missing this year's competition due to the impact of Covid-19.

Hugely experienced in T20 cricket, despite his youth, Mujeeb has taking 132 wickets in 126 matches and has a career economy of 6.67. His 2019 spell at Middlesex was less spectacular in raw numbers - seven wickets and an economy of 7.23 in 10 appearances - but he did help the club reach the quarter-finals.

"It's great to have Mujeeb with us again for the Blast," Stuart Law, Middlesex's head coach, said. "He's the number two-ranked bowler in T20I cricket, behind his countryman Rashid Khan, and brings great variety to our attack.

"A great bloke to have in our dressing room as well, we are really looking forward to welcoming Mujeeb back next season."

Mujeeb is currently in action at the Big Bash League, having recovered from being diagnosed with Covid-19 on his arrival in Australia. He has featured regularly at the IPL for Kings XI Punjab, as well as at the CPL and BPL, as well as being capped in all formats for his country.

"I had a very enjoyable time at Middlesex in 2019 and I am pleased to be coming back to play, especially at Lord's," Mujeeb said. "Let's hope we can do well."