Islamabad, April 4, 2025: Domestic cricket season in England kicks off today with the return of the Rothesay County Championship.
Among the many international names, five Pakistani players are set to feature across different counties this year, bringing both experience and flair to the competition.
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will be joined by pacers Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Kashif Ali, and spinner Zafar Gohar.
All five are expected to play in the County Championship, while Masood, Hasan, and Gohar will also be part of the Vitality T20 Blast later in the summer.
Masood is set to represent Leicestershire. Known for his solid performances, the left-handed batter previously played for Derbyshire and Yorkshire.
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He will join Leicestershire in late May, just in time for the T20 Blast, as he is currently fulfilling Pakistan Super League commitments.
Hasan Ali returns to Warwickshire for a third season, rejoining in late May for a full summer after impressing despite previous setbacks.
Mohammad Abbas, who has consistently performed in county cricket, will be making his debut for Nottinghamshire.
The 34-year-old, who impressed with Hampshire and Leicestershire, is set to play six matches this season between May and September.
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Kent have signed young pacer Kashif Ali as cover for Wes Agar, though he will miss the opening match against Northamptonshire.
This marks the first appearance for Kashif in county cricket after making his Test debut earlier this year.
Meanwhile, spinner Zafar Gohar will play for Middlesex, now as a local player after obtaining British citizenship.
Gohar, who previously played for Gloucestershire, has a solid record in county cricket and is expected to feature in the opening game at Lord’s.
The presence of these Pakistani players is expected to add depth and variety to the Championship, with fans keen to see how they perform in English conditions once again.
