Aaron Summers set to become first overseas player to play in Pakistan's domestic cricket

Australian pacer Aaron Summers is all set to become the first overseas player to feature in Pakistan’s domestic One-Day tournament. The 24-year old Tasmanian bowler has signed up with Southern Punjab for the tournament which is scheduled to start on January 8 in Karachi. According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rules, the domestic teams can sign up one overseas player subject to NOC clearance from the home country.

According to reports, Summers is likely to reach Lahore on December 28 ahead of a week-long training camp at the National High-Performance Centre with former star Azhar Mahmood. Following the spell at the NCA, he will join his team in Karachi on January 5. Having played for Karachi Kings in last year’s Pakistan Super League, Summers is not completely stranger to Pakistani cricket.

Summers rose to prominence after impressing in the Big Bash League during the 2017/18 season. he had constantly outpaced the likes of Jofra Archer and Tymal Mills and had clocked 150 km/h on the speed gun in his first BBL season. However, Summers has failed to live up to the expectations after a promising debut season in BBL and is currently looking to revive his career.

Aaron Summers excited

Ahead of becoming the first Australian cricketer to play in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, Aaron Summers expressed his excitement over the same. Summers said that he was looking forward to playing in a country known as the breeding ground of fast-bowlers. Summers also said that the double-league format will also test his fitness and consistency.

“I am delighted to have been offered a contract by the Southern Punjab Cricket Association. Pakistan is a breeding ground for the fast bowlers and while I look forward to developing as a quality fast bowler, I am equally keen to help my side perform strongly in the Pakistan Cup, which will be played on a double-league format that will test my fitness, form and consistency against some quality batsmen to the limits,” said Summers as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“I have been following the ongoing season on social media and the quality of cricket on display has convinced me that Pakistan is the place where I can hone my skills and improve as a cricketer. My goal remains to be a top professional and I think Pakistan can help me achieve that target,” he added.