Arif qualifies as English player

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes says Arif shows potential

Worcestershire's Imran Arif can play at New Road as an English qualified player after being granted a British passport.

After impressing in 2008 as an overseas player, the 25-year-old Pakistan-born paceman was offered a two-year contract subject to gaining British citizenship.

"If he bowls in 2009 like he did last year, we will be very impressed," said Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes.

Arif took 22 wickets in six first-class games, including 5-50 on his debut.

Meanwhile, Australian all-rounder Ashley Noffke, who is Worcestershire's overseas player for 2009, has undergone his operation for minor back surgery.

Noffke, 31, will need permission from the Australian cricket authorities to play at New Road this summer but the county are optimistic he will get the go-ahead.

Worcestershire's 2009 campaign starts on 11 April with six successive away games (Oxford University, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, as well as Hampshire and Ireland in the Friends Provident Trophy).

The county have been allowed special dispensation to delay their first home game because of the redevelopment work at New Road.

But Rhodes' men are due to emerge from the newly-built Graeme Hick Pavilion for the first time when they play their first home game of 2009 on 4 May against Notts in the FPT.