Hampshire sign IPL star Sharma for One-Day Cup

Indian all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma has joined last year's losing finalists Hampshire for this season's One-Day Cup.

Sharma, 27, has scored 564 runs in three seasons in the IPL for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, averaging 29.68 at a strike rate of 169.

He holds the record for the fastest T20 half-century by an Indian player - an 11-ball 50 for Railways against Arunachal Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

"He is a player of great potential and has done well for Delhi Capitals in the IPL recently so knows what it's like to perform to a high standard," Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White, told the club website, external.

"We look forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing what he can do in a Hampshire shirt as we look to go one step further than last year in the competition."

Sharma, who bowls right-arm medium pace, made his IPL debut as an impact substitute for the Kings before being signed by the Capitals for about £290,000 ahead of the 2025 season.

Hampshire have also added pace bowling pair Harry Petrie and Oli Williams to their squad for the One-Day Cup.

Petrie, 23, was released at the end of the 2023 season but has signed a short-term deal following impressive performances for the Second XI this summer. He is Hampshire's leading wicket-taker in the Second XI T20 competition.

Williams, 19, is in his second year in the club's academy.