Lancashire sign Nathan McCullum

Lancashire have signed New Zealand's offspinning allrounder Nathan McCullum as their overseas player for the Friends Provident t20. He replaces Pakistan's Shoaib Malik, who will miss the tournament due to international commitments, following the reversal of his ban by the PCB.

"It was obviously a blow to our plans when Shoaib Malik's international ban was overturned so close to the start of the competition," Lancashire director Mike Watkinson said. "However, I am delighted that we have a like-for-like replacement in Nathan. He is an experienced Twenty20 player who will strengthen both our middle order and spin bowling options."

McCullum was pleased with the opportunity to play for Lancashire and looked forward to making a contribution. "I'm really excited at the prospect of joining Lancashire. Twenty20 is a form of the game I really enjoy so hopefully we can have a successful campaign and go the distance. I've heard great things about Lancashire as a club and can't wait to get over there," he said.

McCullum has played 22 Twenty20 matches for New Zealand, taking 21 wickets at an economy rate of 6.45. He averages 26.66 with the bat, and was one of New Zealand's bright spots during their forgettable World Twenty20 campaign. He has been a crucial player for Otago Volts in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 competition.

McCullum could debut against Northants Steelbacks at Old Trafford on June 9, and is available for all of Lancashire's remaining matches in the group stages of the competition.