Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has inked a deal with English County Club Hampshire to be their overseas player from the middle of May until early July. Apparently, Rahane had asked permission from the BCCI to join the English county circuit, given that he was not a part of India’s World Cup 2019 squad.

If his visa is cleared, Rahane will be available for eight championship matches, as he replaces Aiden Markram, who will leave the county to join the South African World Cup squad. "We're delighted to attract a player of his class and he was really keen to come," Hampshire director of cricket Giles White told BBC Radio Solent.

Rahane, who is Hampshire’s first ever overseas player from India, is expected to make his debut against Warwickshire at Edgbaston from 14 May.

"We're delighted to get him over here, it's a great fit for us and he showed an interest in coming to play county cricket at the back end of last winter. It's different conditions over here, but he has played several times before at the Ageas Bowl and enjoyed batting here. We're looking forward to seeing what he can offer both on and off the pitch," White added.

(Inputs BBC Cricket)