27 May 2014 | Cricket
Glamorgan have signed West Indian all-rounder Darren Sammy for the NatWest T20 Blast, after receiving clearance from West Indies Cricket Board and visa approval.
The hugely talented all-rounder will join Glamorgan until the domestic twenty overs competition gets underway in the Caribbean and will bring a wealth of international experience to the Welsh county's line-up, having appeared in 38 Tests, 111 One-Day Internationals and 52 International Twenty20 matches for the West Indies.
Having made his One-Day International debut in a rain-affected game in England in 2004, Sammy made his Test debut for the West Indies against England at Old Trafford in 2007 taking 7/66 with his lively medium-paced bowling to complete the best bowling figures on debut in Test for the West Indies since 1950.
In October 2010 he also became the first cricketer from St Lucia to be named West Indies captain, and rather fittingly, he duly led the Caribbean side to their first piece of international silverware for many years as they beat hosts Sri Lanka in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 final, with Glamorgan Head Coach Toby Radford amongst the West Indies coaching team.
Darren has a Test Match hundred for West Indies to his name, recorded against England in 2012 and he remains their captain in the shortest format, leading them to the semi-finals in the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014.
Glamorgan Chief Executive and Director of Cricket, Hugh Morris said, Darren's skills with bat and ball have delighted crowds all around the world in Twenty20 competitions in recent years so we're delighted to welcome him to Glamorgan.
Darren arrives fresh from the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the Indian Premier League, whom he captained and Glamorgan supporters will get an opportunity to see the all-rounder display his skills as he joins us ahead of Friday's first home game against Sussex Sharks.
Glamorgan Head Coach Toby Radford added, Darren is top quality T20 player and a fine addition to our dressing room as he brings with him experience at the highest level. Darren was a leader on and off the field during my days with the West Indies, so it will be great to work with him again at Glamorgan.
Glamorgan play Sussex Sharks this Friday (30th May), 6.30pm scheduled start at the SWALEC Stadium and the Welsh county are encouraging supporters to show their support for the team by 'Backin' the Blue' and wearing an item of blue clothing or blue fancy dress as part of a fun initiative to help create a fantastic Friday night atmosphere.
Match tickets are available for all 7 home T20 Blast fixtures, priced £25 for adults, £5 for juniors or purchase a T20 Blast season ticket for admission to all 7 home games for only £50 or junior membership for only £10.