Sunil Narine will make his first appearance in the Vitality T20 Blast after signing for Surrey. Narine, who will head to London after the completion of his stint at the IPL, played for the Oval-based Invincibles during last year's Hundred.
Narine, the West Indies spinner, is one of the most-successful T20 players in the game, having featured in most of the major leagues around the world. He helped West Indies to lift the 2012 World T20, has twice been an IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders, and most recently was Player of the Match in the final as Comilla Victorians won the BPL.
As well as being a prolific wicket-taker, he has enjoyed great success when pushed up the order as a pinch-slogging batter.
"We're very pleased Sunil will be joining us for this year's Vitality Blast," Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart, said. "His unique skills as a bowler and ability to bat anywhere in the order make him a very exciting proposition in any T20 side.
"As a proven winner in this format, his experience in internationals and leagues around the world will be an invaluable asset. I look forward to seeing him perform in a Surrey shirt this summer."
Narine, who was released by Oval Invincibles but could still be re-signed during this month's draft, will take the first of Surrey's two overseas slots for the Blast. Surrey begin their campaign at home to Glamorgan on May 27, two days before the IPL final, with Narine expected to be available throughout following his arrival from India.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to play for Surrey in the Vitality Blast this year; one of the few competitions around the world I've not experienced in my career," Narine said.
"The stint I enjoyed with Oval Invincibles in 2021 gave me a taste of how unique playing in front of a packed Kia Oval crowd really is. My aim is to entertain as much as possible this year and hopefully ensure the club challenges for the trophy."
Surrey missed out on the knockout stages of the Blast last year, having been beaten finalists in 2020.