WAYNE Parnell is set to play in the opening match of the 2019 Pakistan Super League for defending champions Islamabad United.

The Worcestershire all-rounder is in line to face Lahore Qalandars in Dubai on February 14.

Parnell’s inclusion in the tournament means Worcestershire will have a representative for the second winter running.

County team-mate and close friend Ross Whiteley was selected for the Multan Sultans 12 months ago.

Parnell, who has signed a three-year contract at Worcestershire as a Kolpak player until 2021, was chosen from the 630 players up for selection when the draft was held in Islamabad.

Also part of the United squad are England’s Ian Bell (Warwickshire) and Samit Patel (Nottinghamshire).

In addition to Dubai, the fourth edition of the PSL will also feature games in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as part of the UAE leg of the tournament.

The final eight games will be staged in Pakistan with Karachi hosting the final on March 17.

Parnell has had a break from action for the past two months after a busy spell.

He helped the Rapids to Vitality Blast glory and was their second highest wicket-taker behind Pat Brown with 14 victims in nine games.

Parnell then played in the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League for Kabul Zwanan and was their leading wicket taker.

The 29-year-old then linked up with the Kerala Knights squad for the T10 Super League in Sharjah.

Meanwhile, Callum Ferguson and Ben Cox are in strong contention to qualify for the latter stages of the Big Bash and Super Smash respectively.

The Worcestershire CCC duo have been key figures for Sydney Thunder and Otago Volts in the bid to reach the knockout stages in Australia and New Zealand.

Number-three batsman Ferguson is currently the second-highest scorer for Thunder with 142 runs with only Jos Buttler ahead of him.

They are occupying joint-third spot alongside Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers after winning three and losing three of their opening six matches.

Ferguson, who is returning to New Road on May 1, and the Thunder are next in action tomorrow at home to Brisbane Heat.

Wicket-keeper batsman and Vitality Blast finals day hero Cox has helped the Volts into third spot in the Super Smash.

He has quickly settled into his first taste of this T20 competition although was frustrated by the weather on Sunday with the wash-out of the game with Central Districts Stags.

The two teams are due to meet again on Thursday in Napier.