In a strategic move to bolster their spin department, the Paarl Royals, a franchise owned by the Royals Sports Group, have announced the signing of Afghanistan’s star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming Season 3 of the SA20 league. This signing marks the completion of the Royals’ roster of retained and pre-signed players ahead of the SA20 2025 Auction.
The 23-year-old Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who recently showcased his skills at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, joins the Royals as the final overseas addition to the squad. He will be joining a lineup that already features prominent names such as England’s Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Sam Hain, along with India’s veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik. The team has also decided to retain 23-year-old English pacer John Turner, who displayed great potential in the previous season.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman: A Proven Performer
Despite his young age, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has already accumulated extensive experience in international cricket. With over 100 international matches under his belt, Mujeeb has claimed 161 wickets across all formats. His versatility and skill have made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues around the world. Mujeeb has played in 241 T20 matches, taking 257 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.76.
Mujeeb’s experience in franchise cricket is vast, having represented several teams across different leagues. Notably, he has already been part of the Royals’ family, playing for the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). His performance in the 2022 CPL season was remarkable, where he took 10 wickets in just 7 matches, boasting a stingy economy rate of 6.11 and an impressive strike rate of 15.60. His ability to keep runs in check while picking up crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset for the Paarl Royals as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Strategic Signing for Spin Strength
Welcoming Mujeeb to the squad, Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, expressed his excitement about the signing. “Mujeeb is an impressive young man who has performed in the best leagues around the world. He has the ability to deceive batters with his variety and pick up crucial wickets, and as his stats state, he can be very economical as well. He adds a lot of depth and variety to our spin bowling department, and we are all very excited to have him make a real impact at the Paarl Royals.”
With Mujeeb’s inclusion, the Royals have further strengthened their spin options, which will be crucial in the diverse conditions that the SA20 league presents. His ability to adapt to different pitches and execute a variety of deliveries adds a new dimension to the Royals’ bowling attack.
Final Roster for SA20 Season 3
With Mujeeb Ur Rahman now on board, the Paarl Royals have finalized their roster of retained and pre-signed players for Season 3 of SA20. The complete list is as follows:
- David Miller
- Lungi Ngidi
- Dinesh Karthik
- Joe Root
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Andile Phehlukwayo
- Mitchell van Buuren
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Codi Yusuf
- John Turner
- Jacob Bethell
- Sam Hain
- Keith Dudgeon
- Nqaba Peter
- Kwena Maphaka
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Dayyaan Galiem
The addition of Mujeeb Ur Rahman reflects the Royals’ commitment to building a well-rounded and competitive squad as they aim for success in the upcoming season. His presence, combined with the experience and talent of the existing players, positions the Paarl Royals as strong contenders in the league.
