Barrow-born batsman Liam Livingstone has been drafted by Karachi Kings for the 2019 Pakistan Super League.

The 25-year-old, who stepped down as captain of Lancashire earlier in the month, has been picked as a ‘supplementary’ player for the competition, which begins on 14 February next year.

Livingstone will be playing alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket, with Karachi’s squad including Pakistan internationals Mohammad Amir and Babar Azam.

Among their ‘overseas’ stars in their ranks are big-hitting New Zealander Colin Munro, South Africa’s Colin Ingram and former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara.

Other big names who will be involved in the PSL include former Australia captain Steve Smith, AB de Villiers, who was the No.1 pick for Lahore Qalanders, and West Indies international Dwayne Bravo.

Livingstone has earned his chance in what is the fourth edition of the competition off the back of his spectacular performances in this year’s Vitality Blast, as he averaged over 45 in helping Lancashire to reach the semi-finals.

His form with the red ball suffered during last season, however, as he averaged just 24 in a campaign that ended with the Red Rose’s relegation from Division One of the County Championship, leading to him relinquishing the captaincy so he could focus on his form.

He is currently touring with the England Lions for their series with Pakistan A, although he didn’t feature in their four-day game in Abu Dhabi.