Umar Akmal joins Sydney Sixers in Big Bash League

Reigning Champions League and Big Bash League title holders Sydney Sixers have signed Pakistan's hard-hitting middle order batsman Umar Akmal for the early part of BBL this season.

Akmal will be available for Sixers' first three matches of the season next month before he is expected to join Pakistan's short tour to India.

Akmal says he "jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the Big Bash League when the Sixers approached me."

Akmal's teammate Shahid Afridi represents Sydney Thunder in the BBL.

New South Wales' opening batsman Daniel Hughes was also signed by Sydney Sixers.