The competition, which will coincide with Jamaica's celebration of 50 years of independence, will be played across two days in August at Sabina Park.

"We are very pleased to announce that Mahkaya has confirmed his participation in the T20 Jamaica 50 Classic," the Jamaica Gleaner quoted tournament co-organiser Paul Campbell as saying.

"We promised that fans would get to see some of the icons who have played over the last decade and Ntini's confirmation is evidence that we intend to deliver on our promises to make this event the best of its kind."

The 34-year-old Ntini took 662 wickets across an international career that spanned 13 years before retiring last year and Campbell acknowledged that Ntini would not be the tournament's only signing from abroad.

"Negotiations have been going on very well. We are constantly in touch with the overseas players, the local players, the Caribbean players and we are pleased. Almost on a daily basis we get responses which are favourable so we are quite happy with that so far," he added.