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Aussie Summers to make history in Pakistan

Firebrand Aaron Summers will make history next month when he turns out in Pakistan's new domestic one-day tournament

Australian fast bowler Aaron Summers is to become the first foreign player to play in Pakistan's revamped domestic cricket.

The 24-year-old from Perth will represent Southern Punjab in the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament in Karachi in January.

Summers is no stranger to Pakistan, having played for Karachi Kings in the country's Super League in 2019. 

He is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Monday for a week-long training camp at the National High Performance Centre before joining Southern Punjab at Karachi.

The Pakistan Cricket Board's domestic competition rules allow one foreign player per side.

"Pakistan is a breeding ground for the fast bowlers," Summers said on Saturday in a statement issued by the PCB.

"While I look forward to developing as a quality fast bowler, I am equally keen to help my side (perform) strongly in the Pakistan Cup."

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PCB's High Performance Director Nadeem Khan said the cricket board wanted to attract foreign players to Pakistan domestic cricket.

"We are aspiring to make our domestic structure robust, tough and challenging that can not only benefit our cricketers but also attract foreign cricketers - just like our cricketers who are regularly featuring in Australia and England's domestic circuit," he said.

"I am hopeful Aaron's participation will also attract other foreign cricketers. It will also help our local players interact and integrate with players from other environments and enhance their understanding of different cultures."

Summers has had a curious career, playing his lone game in the Big Bash for Hobart Hurricanes in 2017 and making just three List A appearances in total.

Yet he is undoubtedly quick, telling The Cricketer magazine in February all about his fascination with raw pace. 

In the Hobart side that also featured Tymal Mills and Jofra Archer, Summers was the quickest.

"I know I've got a desirable talent: I'm one of the quickest blokes going around the world. That's what I like to do. I get paid to do it. I bowl quick. That's my point of difference," he told the magazine.