The 2025 Rothesay County Championship launches on April 4 in England, and five Pakistani cricketers are gearing up to make their mark.
Test captain Shan Masood, fast bowlers Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Kashif Ali, and left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar will bring their talents to the prestigious tournament. Beyond the Championship, Masood, Hasan, and Gohar will also compete in the Vitality T20 Blast, starting in June after the initial County matches wrap up.
CLOSE: An excellent opening day for Somerset in the 2025 County Championship! 🙌
Worcestershire 154 all out
🔴 Aldridge 5/36
Somerset 187/4 from 48 overs
🏏 Banton 84*
🏏 Abell 52#SOMvWOR#WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/RafUXSUdYV
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) April 4, 2025This lineup blends seasoned stars with rising talent. Masood and Hasan, fresh from Pakistan Super League (PSL) duties, join mid-season, while Abbas slots in for six matches across May and September. Kashif, a new Kent signing, skips the opener, and Gohar, now a British citizen, kicks off with Middlesex at Lord’s. Here’s the rundown of these players and their roles.
Shan Masood: Leicestershire’s All-Format Ace
At 35, Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood heads to Leicestershire for a full-season stint across all formats. After standout runs with Derbyshire and Yorkshire, he’s set to arrive in late May. His leadership and batting prowess make him a key asset as Leicestershire aim to climb the ranks.
Hasan Ali: Warwickshire’s Returning Hero
Fan-favorite Hasan Ali is back for his third year with Warwickshire, joining in late May for all formats. Known for his pace and flair, he’s thrilled Edgbaston crowds since 2023. Expect him to anchor the bowling attack through the season.
Mohammad Abbas: Nottinghamshire’s Wicket Machine
Mohammad Abbas made his Nottinghamshire debut and signed for six Championship games. The 34-year-old, who nabbed 180 wickets in 47 matches for Hampshire, brings lethal accuracy. His May-to-September spell could shake up the competition.
Kashif Ali: Kent’s Rising Star
Young pacer Kashif Ali, fresh off a 2025 Test debut against the West Indies, joins Kent for April and May. He’ll miss their opener against Northamptonshire but aims to impress later. His raw speed marks him as one to watch.
Zafar Gohar: Middlesex’s Local Spin King
Zafar Gohar, 30, steps in as a local player for Middlesex, thanks to his new British citizenship. He’s slated for the Lord’s opener, armed with PSL experience from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. His spin could be a game-changer.
With these Pakistani stars, the 2025 Championship gains global flair. Masood’s leadership, Hasan’s pace, Abbas’s precision, Kashif’s potential, and Gohar’s spin promise thrilling battles—kicking off a season fans won’t want to miss.
