Lancashire sign India batting star Shreyas Iyer for one-day campign including match at Blackpool

The top-order batsman is due to arrive at Emirates Old Trafford a week before their opening match in the 50-over competition against Sussex on July 23.

Lancashire's eight group games include a match against Worcestershire at Blackpool CC on August 8.

Iyer has played in 50 One-Day and T20 Internationals India and captained Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

The 26-year-old led Delhi to the final last year and scored 519 runs - the fourth-highest in the tournament – at a strike rate of 123.

He has since played in all three ODIs against Austalia and all five T20s against England, helping India to win both series. He is again named in the squad for the ODI series against England starting today.

Iyer has scored over 6,000 one-days runs, hitting nine centuries. In ODIs, he has hit eight 50s and a century at an average of almost 45 since making his debut in 2017.

In anticipation of the England v India Test Match at Emirates Old Trafford in September and as a celebration of Shreyas’ arrival, Lancashire will be hosting special Indian Summer events this season.

These are designed to bring the energy and excitement that Indian cricket supporters are famous for to the home of Red Rose cricket.

Shreyas said: “Lancashire is a legendary name in English cricket, with a longstanding association with Indian cricket.

"I am extremely humbled and honoured to carry the legacy forward of greats like Farokh Engineer, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman at Lancashire.”

Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Paul Allott added: “Shreyas is one of the shining lights of a new generation of Indian batsmen and a leader, and we’re delighted that an opportunity to bring him to Emirates Old Trafford has presented itself.

“With the expectation that we will be fielding a younger side in this year’s Royal London Cup due to the Hundred, it was important that we brought in a top-order batsman with experience at the highest level to enhance our prospects in the tournament.

“Shreyas has experience of captaining in an IPL final as well as playing in top-level international fixtures, so his on-field skills and ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations will serve our young squad well this summer.

“His current form against England has been hugely impressive and we’re looking forward to welcoming him."

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