A file photo of Umar Akmal. PHOTO: AFP
Umar, a member of Pakistan's World Cup squad, will deputise for Leicestershire's overseas signing Grant Elliott during New Zealand's one-day series with England and is due to play four matches.
"This will be my first time playing T20 for a county and I am very excited to be handed this opportunity," the 24-year-old told the Leicestershire website.
"The club have put their trust in me so I will give my 100 percent efforts to repay their faith."
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Leicester head coach Andrew McDonald said: "It is brilliant that we are signing a player of Umar's quality for when Grant is on international duty with New Zealand.
"We are all looking forward to him showcasing his skills over the course of the four games.
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Umar was sacked for his dismal performance in the 2015 World Cup and the reason cited was he and Ahmed Shehzad had attitude issues.
He was not made a part of the squad travelling to Bangladesh where Pakistan where whitewashed in the three-match ODI series and the lone T20.
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