Sunil Narine to Play for Surrey in T20 Blast 2022

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine will be returning to play for Surrey County Cricket Club for this year’s Vitality T20 Blast campaign. On Tuesday, Surrey County Cricket Club announced the signing of Narine as their overseas player for England’s premier 20-over competition. Narine becomes the second overseas signing of the club to commit to Surrey for the T20 Blast after Australian seamer  Sean Abbott. The right-arm quick is set to represent the county in both the County Championship and T20 Blast from April to July. 

Last year, the Trinidad and Tobago star cricketer took 14 wickets in 14 games for Surrey in T20 Blast with an economy rate of 5.96 per over. The spin-bowling all-rounder also scored 199 runs at a blistering strike rate of 163.11 during his previous stint with Surrey, which includes a superb 52 off 23 balls against Hampshire at The Kia Oval in London. His efforts were vital in helping the club reach the quarter-finals stage of the competition. 

According to the details, Narine will be available for all Surrey fixtures as it will not clash with IPL 2023. Narine, who has been associated with Kolkata Knight Riders, has played 148 matches for the franchise in the Indian Premier League, will join the team after completing his spell with KKR.

Narine Upbeat for T20 Blast 2022

For many years now, Narine has been one of the most consistent and valuable cricketers in the T20 format. His return will bolster Surrey’s chance to go two steps ahead to clinch the coveted T20 Blast trophy. Speaking about his return to the club, Narine said:

“I am thrilled to return to The Kia Oval to play for Surrey in the Vitality Blast again. Getting knocked out in the quarter-final last year was a real disappointment with the team we had. I know we can do better this year and will do what I can to help get us to Finals Day. Between Surrey and the Oval Invincibles, The Kia Oval is genuinely a second home for me in the English summer.”

Welcoming Narine back into the club, Director of Cricket Alec Stewart said: “We saw what Sunil was all about in 2022, so I’m delighted to be bringing a player of his caliber back to Surrey.

Despite his prowess as a specialist T20 player, Narine has not played for West Indies since 2019. His international career has seen him play six Tests, 65 ODIs, and 51 T20Is. The most successful off-spinner in the history of the 20-over format, Narine can help Surrey to achieve something special in his second spell with the club.