Sangakkara Signs Short-Term Durham Deal

Durham have signed Sri Lanka international Kumar Sangakkara on a short-term contract.

The 36-year-old, who was named man of the match in this year's 2014 World T20 Final, will play for the reigning County Champions in the upcoming games with Yorkshire and Sussex.

Sangakkara will then join up with his national team ahead of the Royal London One-Day International series against England, which begins in May.

The Emirates Durham ICG plays host to the third match of the series, giving supporters in the North East a further opportunity to watch one of the greats of the modern game.

Sangakkara has played for Sri Lanka more than 500 times and averages over 50 with the bat in both Test and first class cricket.

His unbeaten half-century helped Sri Lanka win the final of the ICC World T20 against India in Bangladesh earlier this month and he is keen to make the most of his short time in the domestic game.

"I'm really looking forward to returning to county cricket with Durham and I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity," he said.

"I actually made my debut for Warwickshire against Durham back in 2007 - I scored a few runs that day so I'm hoping to make amends this time around."

Durham Head Coach Jon Lewis was understandably delighted to have such a big name player at his disposal.

"I said that if we could pull off this signing it would be a big bonus and it is," he said. "To attract a player of Kumar Sangakkara's quality to Durham is fantastic, and I've been really impressed by his eagerness to join us.

"In his short stay I'm sure he'll be a big asset, not just with his performances but with the example he will show our crop of fine young cricketers."