The Barbados Royals have signed the South African duo of Quinton de Kock and David Miller as their overseas players for the upcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), starting August 31. 

This is the first time de Kock will feature in the CPL, while Miller has already represented Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Zouks in the past. Miller, who recently won the IPL title with Gujarat Titans, has scored over 8,000 runs in T20s at a strike-rate of 138. 

Yet another South African, Corbin Bosch, who was recently with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL will also occupy one of the overseas spots in the team.

Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who was picked by Jamaica in 2020 will turn up for the Royals this season along with Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan, who has rejoined the side for the second successive year after making his debut in 2021.

Barbados have five more spots to fill and will do so during the draft on Thursday (July 7).

“We are delighted to have signed some of the best overseas players of the T20 format, who we feel will complement our retentions perfectly," Royals head coach Trevor Penney said.

"Quinton is a proven match winner who has delivered for both his country and all the franchises he’s played for around the world, and we are delighted that he’s chosen the Royals as the team to start his CPL journey at. 

"On the other hand, having worked closely with David Miller and Corbin Bosch at the Rajasthan Royals, we know exactly what they bring to the table and at the same time, they also understand the philosophy of the Royals perfectly."

Azam, son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan, slammed 178 runs at a strike-rate of 124.45 from eight innings, which included one fifty. He has also represented Pakistan in three T20Is to date.

Speaking of Azam, Penney said, “We are also happy to have the energy and excitement that Azam Khan can bring to the group, having seen him perform for us last season. 

"While Mujeeb ur Rahman is a world-class spinner who has made his name plying his trade in T20s globally and is a quality and potentially effective addition to our spin department. 

"From my perspective, these signings are an indication of the kind of cricket we want to play here at Barbados, and I’m confident going into the drafts that we’re building a talented and dynamic squad to vie for the title this season,” added the 54-year-old.

While the CPL is set to kick-start n August 31, the Royals will be in action the following day against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in Basseterre.