Retired Amla goes Kolpak, signs two-year deal with Surrey

anRetired South African cricketer Hashim Amla has signed a two-year Kolpak deal with Surrey, it was confirmed on Wednesday. The former Proteas batsman had called it quits from international cricket post the 2019 World Cup after a rewarding 15-year long career. 36-year old Amla will join his ex-teammate Morne Morkel at Surrey until the 2021 season.

“Surrey are one of the most established and accomplished cricket clubs in the world and I am very excited to be joining them again while also not forgetting the opportunity to play alongside my good friend Morne Morkel again,” Amla said.

The one you’ve been waiting for ?

Welcome back, @amlahash!

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) October 29, 2019

Mighty Hash returns to familiar fronts

A veteran in South Africa’s national team setup, Amla played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs and 44 T20Is and scored 18,672 international runs. With 55 centuries across formats, Amla averaged nearly 50 in both Tests and ODIs. He was also the fastest batsman in world cricket to reach the 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000-run mark in ODIs.

“I was part of the Surrey team in 2013 and 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed myself during those stints. So to rekindle that relationship for a longer period is something that excites me. I’m really looking forward to working with Alec Stewart and the rest of his team.”

Alec Stewart, Director of Surrey Cricket, said that Amla’s addition will help motivate the local players at Surrey.

“With several of our players now in or around the international setup, the opportunity to bring Hashim back to Surrey was too good to ignore,” he said.

“His record speaks for itself. We know from his previous spells here that he will be an excellent resource for all of our players to learn from both on and off the field.”