The domestic tournaments in England in 2023 will be well stocked with Pakistan international players across all formats – here’s a list of the Pakistan players who have signed deals to play in the County Championship, One Day Cup and T20 Blast.
The 2023 County Championship gets underway today (April 6) with plenty of Pakistan internationals available for selection across various counties. Mohammad Abbaswill reprise his role in Hampshire’s bowling ranks while Azhar Ali has returned to Worcestershire for the summer.
Shan Masood is the most high profile Pakistan signing of the year. He is set to captain Yorkshire in the County Championship after he his success for Leicestershire last season. Yorkshire find themselves in Division Two of the County Championship after they were relegated on the final day of competition last year. Masood will also be available for the club in their limited overs campaigns.
The news that Shaheen Afridi is set for a stint with Nottinghamshire this summer caused a stir last week. The fast-bowler has signed to play for the Outlaws in the T20 Blast, which will get underway in May. Shaheen captained Lahore Qalandars to Pakistan Super League glory last month, demonstrating his growing utility with the bat as well as renowned skills with the ball.
There will be some flexibility with the Pakistan signings for the English summer. Pakistan are scheduled to host New Zealand for a limited overs series at the end of April and into May, and are also set to play international series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan before the end of August. Counties will have to be flexible for their signings’ international commitments.
Full list of Pakistan players signed for County Championship and T20 Blast
Haider Ali (Derbyshire) – County Championship, Royal London One Day Cup, T20 Blast
Zafar Gohar (Gloucestershire) – County Championship, Royal London One Day Cup, T20 Blast
Mohammad Abbas (Hampshire) – County Championship
Hasan Ali (Warwickshire) – County Championship, T20 Blast (April-July)
Azhar Ali (Worcestershire) – County Championship, Royal London One Day Cup
Shan Masood (Yorkshire) – County Championship, Royal London One Day Cup, T20 Blast
Shaheen Afridi (Nottinghamshire) – T20 Blast
Shadab Khan (Sussex) – T20 Blast
