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The Spanish side have made plenty of money in the transfer market this century

Atletico Madrid have become a force to be reckoned with in Spain again over the past decade or so and even managed to pip Real Madrid and Barcelona to the domestic title twice.

Their success is often being attributed to head coach Diego Simeone and the flamboyant Argentine certainly deserves a lot of credit for Atletico's resurgence.

Simeone's presence is by no means the only reason for their return to the top, though, as they have showed some shrewd business in the transfer market as well.

Buy cheap and sell high has very much been their mantra and they have made healthy profits on players such as Thomas Partey, Antoine Griezmann and Rodri to name just a few.

Who has been their most profitable piece of business over the last two decades or so, though?

Atletico Madrid most expensive sales by season

Season

Biggest sale

Fee

Total sales

2022-23

Renan Lodi

€5M/£4.50M

€6.95M/£6.26M

2021-22

Kieran Trippier

€14M/£12.60M

€22.75M/£20.48M

2020-21

Thomas Partey

€50M/£45M

€83.30M/£74.97M

2019-20

Antoine Griezmann

€120M/£108M

€309M/£278.10M

2018-19

Jonny Otto

€21M/£18.90M

€57.90M/£52.11M

2017-18

Yannick Carrasco

€30M/£27M

€104M/£93.60M

2016-17

Borja Baston

€18M/£16.20M

€44M/£39.60M

2015-16

Jackson Martinez

€42M/£37.80M

€152M/£136.80M

2014-15

Diego Costa

€38M/£34.20M

€89.30M/£80.37M

2013-14

Radamel Falcao

€43M/£38.70M

€70.10M/£63.09M

2012-13

Eduardo Salvio

€11M/£9.90M

€21.35M/£19.22M

2011-12

Sergio Aguero

€40M/£36M

€85.35M/£76.82M

2010-11

Jose Manuel Jurado

€11M/£9.90M

€23.90M/£21.51M

2009-10

Johnny Heitinga

€6.80M/£6.12M

€17.90M/£16.11M

2008-09

Jose Antonio Reyes

€2.65M/£2.39M

€3.45M/£3.11M

2007-08

Fernando Torres

€38M/£34.20M

€52.10M/£46.89M

2006-07

Mateja Kezman

€7M/£6.30M

€7M/£6.30M

2005-06

Jesper Gronkjaer

€3M/£2.70M

€5.30M/£4.77M

2004-05

None

Nil

Nil

2003-04

Javier Pinola

€250,000/£225,000

€250,000/£225,000

2002-03

Juninho Paulista

€6.90M/£6.21M

€8.10M/£7.29M

2001-02

Salva Ballesta

€10.80M/£9.72M

€20.30M/£18.27M

2000-01

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

€22.50M/£20.25M

€55.55M/£50M

TOTAL

€1.24b/£1.11b

*All figures are taken from Transfermarkt unless stated otherwise.

Atletico Madrid top 10 most expensive player salesGettyImages10Arda Turan | €34m/£30.6m | Barcelona | 2015

Atletico Madrid pounced on the opportunity to sign Arda for €13 million (£11.7m) from Galatasaray in 2011, making him the most-expensive Turkish footballer of all time.

Between 2011 and 2015, Turan made over a century of appearances for Atletico before Barcelona came calling.

Los Rojiblancos were reluctant to sell, but eventually agreed to let go of their prized asset for €34m (£30.6m).

AdvertisementGetty Images9Fernando Torres | €38m/£34.2m | Liverpool | 2007

After turning down the chance to join Chelsea in 2006, Torres ended up joining Liverpool in the summer of 2007 for €38m (£34m).

The Spaniard became a cult-hero at Anfield, scoring some of the most incredible and famous goals in their modern-day history.

After scoring 81 goals in 142 appearances for the Reds, Chelsea tried to get their man for a second time and now succeeded, paying €58.5m (£52.65m) to secure the services of Torres 2011.

Getty8Diego Costa | €38m/£32m | Chelsea | 2014

Signed as a back-up to Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, Costa quickly became an integral part of Atletico Madrid's first team.

He was heavily linked with Liverpool in 2013 as the Reds seemed ready to match his release clause, but

Costa chose to stay at Atletico and renewed his contract until 2018.

After a largely successful 2013-14 season, it was in the summer of 2014 that Chelsea showed an interest in signing him, matching Costa's €38m (£32m) release clause to bring him to London.

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Getty Images7Sergio Aguero | €40m/£36m | Manchester City | 2011

After incredible performances for Argentine side Independiente, Aguero moved to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €23m (£21m).

Aguero took La Liga by storm, winning the Don Balon award for best breakthrough player in La Liga, the Golden Boy trophy and World Soccer Young Player of the Year award.

He also helped Atletico win the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

In 2011, Manchester City tabled an offer and Atletico cashed in on the Argentine for €40m (£36m).

Cristiano Ronaldo spared no expense on Valentine’s Day, as he gifted partner Georgina Rodriguez a huge bouquet of roses and luxury jewellery.

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Portuguese working on lucrative contractHas had plenty to celebrate off the field off lateLooking to enjoy more success on itGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner can afford to shower his partner with gifts as he continues to work on the most lucrative contract in world football at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr. He made sure to make Georgina feel special on February 14.

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The pair have had plenty of cause for celebration over recent weeks, with Georgina turning 30 on January 27. Ronaldo then took in a birthday of his own on February 5, with the evergreen frontman still going strong at 39 years of age.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo and Georgina like to treat each other whenever the opportunity presents itself, and CR7 was happy to pass on an impressive bunch of flowers and special gifts from luxury jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels as lovers around the world made their feelings clear on Valentine’s Day.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Ronaldo has endured a frustrating time in his professional life of late, sitting out a meeting with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami through injury before then suffering a Riyadh Cup defeat to Al-Hilal. He was, however, back in match-winning mode for Al-Nassr in their latest outing, with the all-time great earning them a first leg lead in an AFC Champions League clash with Al Feiha.

Lionel Messi has a World Cup win to his name, and he may have helped to inspire India captain Rohit Sharma to glory in cricketing circles.

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Cricket World Cup reaching conclusionIndia captain a clear Messi fanInter Miami owner provides special giftWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup continues to play out on Indian soil, with the hosts preparing to lock horns with old adversaries Australia in an epic final showdown in Ahmedabad. Rohit, along with team-mates such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, will be called upon to deliver on the expectations of millions in their homeland.

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Virat has been rubbing shoulders with a man that knows all about the challenges of performing under pressure, with Manchester United and England legend David Beckham paying a visit to to India in his role as a UNICEF ambassador.

DID YOU KNOW?

Beckham swapped jerseys with Rohit during their brief encounter, as a Real Madrid shirt featuring his name and No.23 was passed on, while the Inter Miami co-owner was also able to deliver a Messi top for one of the Argentine icon’s biggest fans – with Rohit’s daughter proudly taking ownership of that gift.

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WHAT NEXT?

Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, said in a post shared on her Instagram account: “Thank you for making this little Leo Messi fan very happy David Beckham.” India will compete for a global crown against Australia on Sunday, while Messi is readying himself for a 2026 World Cup qualification clash with Brazil next Tuesday.

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If the role of a county cricket club is to win trophies and produce players for England, Yorkshire are doing an excellent job

George Dobell at Trent Bridge12-Sep-2014
ScorecardYorkshire get into their victory huddle•PA PhotosIf the role of a county cricket club is to win trophies and produce players for England, Yorkshire are doing an excellent job.A club that was, in the words of its chairman, 48 hours from going out of business a few years ago has now lifted the 32nd County Championship title in its history. No club has as many.And they have done it while providing several players for England – five of this team have played Test cricket for England in the last 12 months – and while developing a production line of talent that will serve club and country for years to come.On the final day of this match, their hero was Ryan Sidebottom. He claimed four wickets for six runs in 7.2 overs to complete the 26th five-wicket haul of his first-class career and end Nottinghamshire’s resistance. Bowling a tight line and nipping the ball away off the seam, he produced beauties to account for both Chris Read and Luke Fletcher and, when James Taylor, left in a desperate position, slashed to cover, the match and the title were Yorkshire’s. Victory was wrapped up by 11.36am.”Pride” is a word that occurs often in conversations with those associated with Yorkshire. Pride in the club’s history, pride in the club’s values, pride in the club’s role. Cricket still matters in Yorkshire. And Yorkshire cricket matters most of all.That explains the spirit and unity which has seen this squad through the dark days. The spirit and unity that gave the team strength when they gained only one win in their first five Championship games of the season. The spirit and unity that saw them overcome the England withdrawals and the crushing defeat at Lord’s when an inspired Chris Rogers led Middlesex to a miraculous victory.The captain and coaches will, quite rightly, gain many of the plaudits for this victory. Certainly Yorkshire’s record since Jason Gillespie arrived is exceptional: the club have lost three Championship games in three years. The director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, has made some shrewd signings and remains largely responsible for the development of the batsmen, and Andrew Gale remains a calm and selfless leader.But the skills and spirit that have led to this title are generated long before players reach the first team. When you have coaches like Ian Dews, steeped in Yorkshire cricket, in the academy and others likes Richard Dawson and Kevin Sharp (now with Worcestershire) working below the first team, players graduate to the first-class game knowing what is expected of them and prepared technically and temperamentally.This, truly, was a victory not just for the team but for the entire club.It was telling that, of the 19 men who represented Yorkshire in the Championship this season, only five were not born or brought up in the county. Two of the team that lifted this trophy are the sons of former Yorkshire and England players. It brings a unity of purpose and understanding to the dressing room. It brings shared values and a sense of pride in representing this team that, on the tough days, just might make all the difference.Certainly, they were at their best when they were challenged. In these last few weeks, they have won five games out of six and four games in succession. When confronted by their closest rivals – Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire – they responded with innings victories. Such has been their dominance this season that five of their eight victories came by innings margins, another by nine wickets and two more by 220 runs or more. They have proved themselves, by a distance, the best side in the land.And there is more to come. In Alex Lees and Adam Lyth they have an opening pair who have contributed, on average, 76 runs per stand and both have realistic England aspirations. They have a legspinning allrounder in Adil Rashid who continues to press for international opportunities and, just below the surface, the likes of Matt Fisher, a young seamer who could not break into the side this season, but who has a wonderfully bright future. Throughout the club, from first team to academy to youth teams, talent is burgeoning.It was a shame, therefore, that their captain was not able to share in the moment of triumph. The exact nature of Gale’s misdemeanour remains, at the time of writing, unclear but it does seem odd that ECB, who have failed to make any specific comment or condemnation of the shameful booing of Moeen Ali at Edgbaston, appear so keen to flex their muscles here.But such a controversy should not overshadow Yorkshire’s success. Nothing should deflect the credit that the likes of Jack Brooks, who has taken 64 Championship wickets, or Lyth, who has scored 1,428 Championship runs, deserve. Nothing should deflect from that fact that, for the second year in succession, a club has won the Championship not through its expensive imports, but through its home-grown talent.Yorkshire have endured many setbacks over the years. They have suffered internal conflict, economic catastrophe and such bitter infighting. Until today, no club in the land had gone so long since they last won a trophy.But, on the pitch at least, they are delivering. Yorkshire cricket is strong again. And for that, all England should be grateful.

A round-up of the Ranji Trophy Group C matches on December 31, 2014

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Dec-2014
ScorecardFile photo: Rishi Dhawan picked up 5 for 53 to break through Assam•ESPNcricinfoTripura and Goa played out a draw in Agartala, though Tripura were the happier of the two teams, as a 14-run lead in the first-innings gave them three crucial points. Goa, who began their second innings at an overnight score 123 for 5, tried to force an outright win, as a 99-run partnership between Deepraj Gaonkar (74) and Amit Yadav (50) pushed the team to 238 for 9, after which they declared. It meant Tripura needed 225 for victory, but with only 31 overs left in the day, a favourable result for either team was unlikely. Bishal Ghosh (47) and Udiyan Bose (41) shared in an 89-run opening stand, as Tripura made 113 for 1 before the match ended.
ScorecardAssam resisted for almost 80 overs on the final day, but a five-wicket haul from Rishi Dhawan helped Himachal Pradesh complete an innings and 133-run win in Guwahati. After being asked to follow on, Assam lost four early wickets to stumble to 28 for 4, but Tarjinder Singh, coming in at No.6, batted for nearly five hours to score an unbeaten 90.Tarjinder stroked 13 fours during his knock, but was hard-pressed to find solid support at the other end, as only three other batsmen reached double-digit scores and Assam were eventually bundled out for 198. Dhawan claimed 5 for 53, while Ankush Bedi and Vikramjeet Malik snared two wickets apiece.
ScorecardSaurabh Tiwary scored his first century of the season, as Jharkhand batted out the whole day against Kerala in Dhanbad to secure a draw, though Kerala had already secured first-innings points. Starting the day at 68 for 1, Jharkhand lost Virat Singh early, but Tiwary put up big stands with Shahbaz Nadeem (71), Ishank Jaggi (51) and Kumar Deobrat (39) for the third, fourth and fifth wickets to lift the team to 337 for 5. Tiwary remained unbeaten on 125, with five fours and four sixes, helping Jharkhand make 337 for 5.
ScorecardA fifty from Services captain Yashpal Singh ensured the team secured a draw against Hyderabad in Uppal. With Hyderabad already having gained a 32-run lead, Services had fallen further behind by slumping to 75 for 4 on the penultimate day. However, Yashpal (60) put up 50-plus stands with Devender Lochab and Saurabh Kumar, before Abhishek Sakuja chipped in with 46 down at No.10, to propel Services to 285. Akash Bhandari took five wickets, taking his match tally to nine, but leaked 109 runs from his 40 overs. Services’ efforts meant that Hyderabad needed 254 to win, but with only 14 overs remaining, a draw was the only possible outcome. The hosts were 52 for 1 when the match ended.

Monty Panesar will take another step towards resuming his professional career on Wednesday when he embarks on Northamptonshire’s pre-season tour to Barbados

George Dobell09-Mar-2016Monty Panesar will take another step towards resuming his professional career on Wednesday when he embarks on Northamptonshire’s pre-season tour to Barbados.Although Panesar, who underwent shoulder surgery in December, is not yet fit to return to bowling, he will continue his rehab and take the opportunity to get to know the squad. As an experienced player, the club also hope his insight will prove valuable to a relatively young group of players.Northants have not yet offered Panesar a contract. While hopes that his salary may be subsidised by the ECB have faltered – they contributed to his pay while he was with Essex – it is still possible that sponsorship could be agreed to help Northants pay for him. At present, the club – who announced significant losses for the second year in succession earlier this week – have only a modest sum (perhaps as little as £15,000) to offer which had been allocated towards signing a second overseas player in the NatWest Blast.If Panesar is able to recover his fitness, however, there is little doubt he could prove a significant asset to Northants. The club have, at present, a playing staff of just 15 and Panesar’s ability to bowl long, tight spells could ease the burden on the rest of the attack.The prospect of an England recall can’t be entirely discounted, either. While there may be some bridges to build, such is Panesar’s ability and England’s pressing need for a potent spin attack ahead of the winter tours of Bangladesh and India that it remains just about possible he could stake a claim over the next few months. Aged 33, he potentially has several years ahead of him in the professional game.On a more basic level, many will celebrate the idea of Panesar simply returning to cricket. He first captured the imagination as a highly skilled spinner whose enthusiasm for the game was infectious. Somewhere along the way, though, those qualities became somewhat clouded and he has, at times, appeared something of a troubled soul. He was dropped from both his previous sides, Essex and Sussex, due to disciplinary issues. The thought that a move back to the club where he stated out might help him put his troubles behind him is encouraging.A move back to Northamptonshire appeals for several reasons. Not only would it enable him to live close to his family in Luton and benefit from their stabilising influence, but it is close to the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) he attends in Coventry.Panesar emerged through the youth system at Bedfordshire and Northants and played some of his best cricket for the club. But he lost his central contract at a time when Northants were committed to the signing of Nicky Boje and, with the club struggling to fulfil his salary expectations, he was allowed to leave for Sussex at the end of the 2009 season.

Everton boss Sean Dyche has revealed how he and his players reacted to being deducted 10 points by the Premier League.

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Everton handed strongest punishment in EPL historyDyche admits surprise at verdict Toffees looking to shock Man Utd on Sunday Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Toffees received the punishment after being found to have breached Profit and Sustainability Rules. The deduction leaves them in the relegation zone on four points heading into Sunday's meeting with Manchester United at Goodison Park.

AdvertisementWHAT SEAN DYCHE SAID ABOUT POINTS DEDUCTION

“Like everyone, well everyone in these parts, we’re shocked. With the wave of noise after that, it seems as though most people in football are shocked… the enormity of it, disproportionate is a word that’s been used by the club," Dyche said.

WHAT DYCHE SAID ABOUT HOW EVERTON WILL BE AFFECTED

Despite the bad news, Dyche insisted that his team's task has not shifted as a result. He added: "Obviously we’re going to feel a bit aggrieved by that. On the other hand it doesn’t change the focus. The focus since I got here has been sorting things out on the pitch. Getting the team to win, getting the team to feel different, the performances to be different and we were obviously on the right lines for that and delivering strong performances, I felt, and this has just given us a push backwards to then come forwards again. The job hasn’t changed for me. It’s just made it more difficult in the current circumstances until the appeal of course."

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Last week's bombshell points deduction news came as a shock, not only to the Toffees but rival clubs and supporters as well. The decision led to a Premier League shareholders meeting to discuss the verdict, while potential punishments for other sides may well have been on the agenda. Indeed, Manchester City have previously been charged for 115 alleged breaches of FFP regulations and, following the strict action taken against Everton, they may well be worried about what could be to follow for them.

The World Cup winners didn't need their superstar as they made it three wins from three in qualifying with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.

Lionel Messi did end up making an appearance, featuring off the bench as a substitute. As it turns out, though, Argentina didn't really need him to take care of Paraguay in Thursday's World Cup qualifying clash at the Estadio Monumental.

Argentina got their goal early from an unlikely source as another familiar face led the way in the 1-0 win. Defender Nicolas Otamendi fired home a fantastic volley just three minutes in, and Argentina never looked back.

Thanks to fantastic performances from the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernandez, Paraguay never really got a sniff of the game. By the time Messi came into the match early in the second half, replacing the impressive Julian Alvarez, it felt like the game was only going one way.

Messi hit the post twice, despite looking far from his best, but it wouldn't come back to bite Argentina, who made it three wins from three in CONMEBOL's qualifiers as they march on in their World Cup defense.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from the Estadio Monumental.

ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP via Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (6/10):

Had just one save and didn't have to do too much else as Paraguay were contained by those in front of him.

Nahuel Molina (7/10):

Similar to Tagliafico, but just a bit less involved. Still, a very good day out for the Atletico Madrid man.

Nicolas Otamendi (8/10):

A striker's finish! The defender smashed a fantastic volley for his fifth international goal and then turned around and locked down Paraguay for all 90 minutes. A massive performance.

Cristian Romero (7/10):

Didn't do as much on either end as his centerback partner, but was still as solid as can be.

Nicolas Tagliafico (8/10):

Won't get the attention, but put in a quietly solid defensive shift at left-back while being near-flawless with the ball at his feet.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

A few fantastic tackles and did what he always does to keep things ticking with the ball. Absolutely dazzled on one Messi-esque sequence at the edge of the Paraguay box.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

Did a little bit of everything for Argentina, proving once again why he fits so perfectly in this team.

Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):

Provided the assist from the corner on Otamendi's goal and nearly scored himself by hitting the post later on in the first half. Totally ran the game from the midfield, ensuring Argentina didn't have much trouble with whatever Paraguay threw at them.

GettyAttack

Julian Alvarez (7/10):

Was unlucky to be taken off somewhat early for Messi, as the Manchester City star was the best player in Argentina's attack. Played a big role creatively, even if he didn't get a goal or an assist on the day.

Lautaro Martinez (5/10):

He continues to score for Inter, but it's now been over a year since he scored for Argentina. With Alvarez shining, is his place in danger? This performance won't help as he mustered just one total shot.

Nicolas Gonzalez (6/10):

Had a chance just before the half, but couldn't convert. Pretty wasteful, overall, as Paraguay were happier to let him have the ball than the other two in attack.

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Lionel Messi (6/10):

Didn't look fit, but still hit both an Olimpico and a free-kick off the post because he is who he is. Probably didn't need to be risked in this game, though.

Leandro Paredes (N/A):

Came on late to provide fresh legs in place of Fernandez, who was also sitting on a yellow card.

Lionel Scaloni (8/10):

Got the team selection spot on as Argentina navigated a Messi-less line-up. Another game, another win on the road to the World Cup. Questions to be asked of his usage of Messi remain, however.

Roelof van der Merwe, who last tasted international cricket five years ago, is attempting to resurrect his career by making a switch to Netherlands

Firdose Moonda30-Jun-2015Roelof van der Merwe, who last tasted international cricket five years ago, is attempting to resurrect his career – but not with South Africa. The allrounder secured a Dutch passport on Monday and made himself available for Netherlands immediately. He was included in their squad to play against Nepal for a T20I the day after confirming his documentation but was not named in the starting XI on Tuesday.Van der Merwe could play a part in the World T20 Qualifiers in July and, should Netherlands make it through, in the tournament itself, which he has said is his ultimate aim.His new passport also means he can play county cricket as a local player, because of the European Union connection, and that he will end his career in South Africa. Van der Merwe spent nine seasons with the Titans franchise and was an integral part of their set-up, but decided to move on in the hopes of playing at the highest level again and prolonging his career.”It has been a privilege and an amazing journey to be part of the Titans family for the past eight years. My cricket journey will continue, but I have decided on a different path that could be beneficial to my long-term career and family life,” van der Merwe said in a statement issued by Titans.”His indomitable spirit and defiance has endeared Roelof to the Titans fans and to a wider South African audience,” Titans coach Rob Walter said. “He had a never-say-die-attitude and was extremely motivated to make a difference and to win matches.”Those qualities did not put van der Merwe was on the South African selectors’ radar recently but earned him a call-up at the turn of the decade. He played 13 ODIs and the same number of T20Is between 2009 and 2010 and was part of the 2010 World T20 squad.In the seasons that followed, van der Merwe made key contributions for Titans. He bowled them to the one-day cup final in the 2013-14 season, with 15 wickets in a 12-match campaign and was their leading run-scorer in last summer’s first-class competition with 774 runs at an average of 55.28.He remained part of South African A squads and often seemed on the fringes of a comeback, especially as South Africa searched for an allrounder, but was not reselected. Van der Merwe made use of his Dutch ancestry to open doors to play for Netherlands. He is not the first South African to go Dutch. Ryan ten Doeschate and Stephen Myburgh are among the other South Africans who have played for Netherlands.

Somerset have signed Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistani left-arm seamer, for this seasons NatWest T20 Blast. He helped Hampshire to Finals Day in 2013

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Feb-2015Somerset have signed Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistani left-arm seamer, for this seasons NatWest T20 Blast. He helped Hampshire to Finals Day in 2013.Tanvir, 30, held the world record for the best figures in a T20 with 6 for 14 in the IPL until Arul Suppiah bettered him in 2011. He has represented Pakistan in all formats, with 36 wickets at 28.52 in 42 T20s, including appearances at every edition of the World T20.”Sohail is a quality top order bowler and a dangerous lower order batsman,” Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard said. “There is no doubt that he will be an extremely useful addition to the squad for the NatWest T20 Blast this year.Maynard’s choice of Tanvir was influenced by a caching stint in the Caribbean Pemier League: “He is an experienced international cricketer who will provide us with something a little bit different. I worked with him at St Lucia Zouks and he was our star performer so I am looking forward to teaming up with him again.”After several strong years in the shortest format Somerset disappointed in 2014, failing to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time since 2008.