Renegades re-sign key allrounder

The Melbourne Renegades have managed a huge coup with the re-signing of Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi for BBL|08.

Nabi made a huge impression with the Renegades last season when he scored 88 runs from three innings and helped himself to eight wickets at a superb economy rate of 5.76 runs per over.

The 33-year-old scored a valuable half century and picked up the key wicket of Kevin Pietersen on his way to the Player of the Match award for the Renegades against cross-town rivals the Melbourne Stars during BBL|07 and can't wait to return again this summer.

"I really enjoyed my first summer playing in the Big Bash and I'm excited to be coming back," Nabi said.

"We had a great team last season, I met some wonderful people and the guys made it really easy for me to settle in.

"The fans were really supportive too and hopefully we can have another strong season for them."

Nabi has performed well in similar Twenty20 tournaments across the world, featuring for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and in the Pakistan Super League, the Bangladesh Premier League and the Caribbean Premier League.

He also captained Afghanistan for a little over two years earlier this decade and is currently ranked as the No.2 ranked Twenty20 allrounder in the world behind Australia's Glenn Maxwell.

It's that kind of resume that has Renegades coach Andrew McDonald excited about the prospect of Nabi's return.

"He's an experienced and intelligent cricketer who added a lot to our group last season," he said.

"He was really effective with the ball and showed what he can do with the bat particularly in that match against the Stars.

"We probably missed him a little bit at the back end of last season so to have him for all matches this time around is a massive bonus and we're excited about what he'll be able to bring this summer."

The Renegades have almost finalised their squad for the upcoming Big Bash season, but still have one vacancy for a second international player.

Current Renegades squad: Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Tom Cooper, Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi (AFG), Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Chris Tremain, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.

In: Cameron Boyce (Hurricanes), Dan Christian (Hurricanes), Zak Evans, Mackenzie Harvey, Will Sutherland (rookie).

Out: Brad Hodge (retired), James Pattinson (Heat), Matt Short (Strikers).

Roster spots to fill: one

Internationals signed: one