Defending champions Pudsey Congs are hoping to have their overseas player in place by the start of the SDS Bradford League campaign tomorrow.

They have signed Pakistani all-rounder Shehzad Butt, but Congs skipper Matthew Doidge is not certain exactly when he will be flying in.

Doidge said: "He is quite quick and, like many of the players over there, is a good hitter of the ball."

The 32-year-old, who has the daunting task of replacing Pakistani Test player Naveed Rana ul-Hassan, is from Lahore and has played for both the city and United Bank Limited.

In 34 first-class matches, Butt has batted 50 times, been not out 16, has a top score of 88 and an average of 14.82. And he has bowled 760.4 overs, taking 104 wickets for 2,786 runs at an average of 26.78, with a best analysis of six for 72.

However, Butt has fared even better in the one-day game, taking 27 wickets for 512 runs at an average of 18.96, and he has also proved difficult to dislodge with the bat, having five not outs in eight innings.

Doidge said: "He has got his visa. It is just a matter of when he can get a flight."

Congs will be without both opener Andy Bethel and wicketkeeper Gary Brook, however, because of work commitments.

Opponents Saltaire, who aren't certain that their overseas star Shahid Yousaf will be available, have added teenage pace bowler Tim Wellings to their first-team squad.

The 17-year-old has been signed from Leodiensians.

Doidge said of his side's trip to the newly refurbished Roberts Park: "It is a tough start. They are a good side."

Promoted Bradford & Bingley have New Zealander Lance Shaw in their line-up at Woodlands, but are delaying naming their 11 because of a fitness test on Rob Walker.

Bingley skipper Carl Sharp said of Woodlands: "They have strengthened with the addition of Paul Winrow, who I know from his days at Cleckheaton, and Pieter Swanepoel, and haven't lost anybody of note."

Much-fancied East Bierley have an interesting test at home to Baildon, and the same can be said of Cleckheaton's trip to Pudsey St Lawrence.