April 4, 2025, Birmingham – Intikhab Alam, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Majid Khan, Javed Miandad, Sadiq Mohammed, Mushtaq Mohammad, Sarfraz Nawaz… the list goes on. These legendary Pakistani cricketers once dominated the County circuit, making their mark in England and carving out a place for Pakistan’s cricketing prowess on the global stage. After the 90s, there was a period of silence, but fast forward to 2025, and the legacy continues with a new generation of stars stepping up to the plate.
This year, Shan Masood, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Kashif Ali, and Zafar Gohar are the names to watch as they represent Pakistan in the 2025 Rothesay County Championship. These five cricketers are ready to take the English county scene by storm, bringing their skill, determination, and passion for the game to new heights.
As the 2025 Rothesay County Championship kicks off today in England, these five talented Pakistani cricketers are all set to compete in one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments. Pakistan Test team captain Shan Masood, fast bowlers Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, pacer Kashif Ali, and left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar will be showcasing their skills in the County Championship, and also the Vitality T20 Blast later this year.
Shan Masood (Leicestershire)
Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood will represent Leicestershire County Cricket Club across all three formats this season. A fixture in County cricket, Masood has made a significant impact in previous seasons with Derbyshire and Yorkshire. At 35, he continues to be a key player and is expected to remain with Leicestershire for the entire season, starting in late May.
Hasan Ali (Warwickshire)
Hasan Ali returns to Warwickshire for a third consecutive year, bringing his fiery fast bowling to the team. Known for his aggressive style, Hasan will be available for all formats after his commitments with the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He is expected to be a pivotal figure in Warwickshire’s bowling attack.
Mohammad Abbas (Nottinghamshire)
Mohammad Abbas joins Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club this season after a successful stint with Hampshire, where he claimed 180 wickets at an impressive average of 19.26. Abbas will feature in six matches—three in May and three in September—and will bring his precision bowling to Nottinghamshire’s attack.
Kashif Ali (Kent)
Kashif Ali, the promising young pacer from Rawalpindi, has joined Kent County Cricket Club for his first season in County cricket. After making his Test debut for Pakistan earlier this year, Kashif is eager to prove himself in England, though he won’t feature in Kent’s opening match against Northamptonshire.
Zafar Gohar (Middlesex)
Zafar Gohar, the talented left-arm spinner from Lahore, has obtained British citizenship and will play as a local player for Middlesex in the 2025 season. Gohar has previously impressed with Gloucestershire, and he will now showcase his skills at Lord’s when Middlesex takes on Lancashire.
These five cricketers are part of a new generation of Pakistani players continuing the rich legacy of their country’s cricketing heritage in England. As the 2025 Rothesay County Championship unfolds, cricket fans can expect exciting performances from these rising stars, as they carry forward Pakistan’s proud cricketing tradition on the County circuit.