Gulf Giants have bolstered their squad with the signing of Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmad for the inaugural edition of International League T20 (ILT20).

The 22-year-old leg-spinner has been a revelation in his short T20 career so far, picking 143 wickets in 125 matches at an average of 21.89 and an economy of 7.10. He has recorded two four-wicket hauls and one five wicket-haul, registering his best bowling figures of 5/18 in cricket’s shortest format.

Qais Ahmad was earlier named in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup in December 2017. He finished as the joint leading wicket-taker in the tournament alongside India’s Anukul Roy. Ahmad claimed 14 wickets in just five matches at an average of 12.50 and an economy of 3.84.

Following his impressive performances in domestic cricket, Ahmad made his Test debut against Bangladesh in September 2019.

One year later, Ahmad made his T20I debut against Ireland at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in March. He has bagged four T20I wickets in two matches so far at an economy of 7.67.

Apart from representing the Afghanistan cricket team at the highest level, Ahmad also has the experience of playing in several T20 Leagues across the globe.

The youngster has already featured in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Big Bash League (BBL) as well as in the Lanka Premier League.

Ahmad could be the wrecker-in-chief for the Adani Sportsline-Gulf Giants in the first season of ILT20, which is scheduled to be played from January 13 to February 12 next year.