Hobart Hurricanes have wasted no time in naming their first international signing of the next Big Bash campaign.
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Nearly five months out from a home season opener in Alice Springs against Sydney Sixers, the Hurricanes secured the return of Afghan legspinner Qais Ahmad.
Afghanistan's rising star burst into the Twenty20 spotlight as an injury replacement for Englishman Tymal Mills earlier this year as the Hurricanes surged towards the top of the BBL table.
The 18-year-old captured seven wickets in his three appearances, including a best of 3-33 in a losing semi-final against the Melbourne Stars to dismiss internationals Nic Maddinson, Peter Handscomb and Marcus Stoinis.
Qais further impressed in his first visit to Australia, adding the star wickets of Australian World Cup captain Aaron Finch and Test No.3 Usman Khawaja to an already burgeoning CV early in the teenager's career.
"I'm thrilled to be returning to the Hobart Hurricanes for a full season after a great start there last summer," Qais said in a statement.
"It's clear to me that this team has success in them and I can't wait to be a part of that in front of the fans in Tasmania."
Hurricanes coach Adam Griffith was rapt to welcome the addition of Qais to his side's spinning stocks. Qais is coming off a 10-wicket haul in a huge player-of-the-match game for Afghanistan A on the Bangladesh tour.
"Qais showed a lot in his three games with us last season and really impressed; it was an easy decision to bring him back," he said.
"He spins the ball well both ways for someone so young and provides a level of energy that we like in the field.
"We know the fans are going to enjoy having him around for a full season."