Kent all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has finally been granted an Indian visa and can now make his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab.

Mahmood will arrive in India on Saturday and will be available for five games in Chandigarh, at their home ground in Mohali, and one match against Delhi Daredevils in Delhi.

Azhar was bought by the franchise at the auction last February for $200,000. He was expected to be available for selection from the beginning of the IPL season but visa delays led him to miss Kings XI’s first three matches.

However, his arrival will boost Kings XI, who suffered a setback when England allrounder Stuart Broad was ruled out of the entire IPL season due to a calf strain.

Adam Gilchrist, the Kings XI captain, had announced Mahmood’s imminent arrival at the media briefing in Mohali after the game against Pune Warriors India on Thursday. Mahmood, who is the only player in this IPL to have played for Pakistan, tweeted to confirm the development.

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