Mushtaq Ahmed will be allowed to play for Sussex this summer despite his involvement with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

The veteran spinner's participation in the county season had been under threat after he signed up for the ICL, which is not sanctioned by the International Cricket Council.

In order to play, the England and Wales Cricket Board demanded all overseas players must obtain a 'No Objection Certificate' from their national association, and the Pakistani authorities initially appeared unwilling to oblige.

But a second certificate was received by Sussex this week, allowing Mushtaq, a Wisden cricketer of the year in 1997, to resume his county career in Hove.

"The necessary paperwork for the ECB has now been completed and Mushy will return to Sussex this season," Sussex chief executive Gus Mackay revealed.

"We were always confident he would be okay but it has been a nervous wait, so we are very happy that his registration has now been completed."

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson added: "After weeks of waiting we are pleased this is all over and we can get on with finalising our preparations for the season and defence of our title, of which Mushy will obviously play a key role."

Mushtaq took 90 wickets at an average of 25.66 last summer as Sussex claimed the LV County Championship.

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