Defending champions Lancashire Lightning have signed New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill for the first six games of the T20 Blast.
The 29 year-old, who is considered as one of the best batsmen in T20, will arrive at Old Trafford once his commitments with the Mumbai Indians have concluded.
Guptill has a fearsome reputation with the bat and was the first New Zealander to hit a double century in one-day internationals, and he is the current holder of the highest score in the ICC World Cup with 237 runs.
Lancashire are bidding to become the first county to retain the domestic T20 title, and Guptill will play in the opening games before linking up with the New Zealand squad for their tour of South Africa.
The Auckland-born star has experience of English cricket, having played at county level for Derbyshire in previous seasons.
"I am delighted to be heading back to England for another stint of county cricket, particularly for a club with such a rich history as Lancashire," Guptill said.
"I hope I can make a real impact and help with their pursuit for another trophy in white ball cricket."
Lancashire cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles is confident Guptill will make an instant impression when he arrives for his short stint.
"Martin is a formidable batsman, particularly in white ball cricket, and is currently ranked as the world's third best batsman in T20 cricket," Giles said.
"He's currently playing IPL cricket alongside Jos Buttler and will be ready to hit the ground running when he arrives at Emirates Old Trafford.
"He's got the ability to take games away from the opposition very quickly once he gets going and I'm sure our fans will really enjoy watching him play."