Pakistan players will be in action during the 2023 season of County Cricket, which starts today (Thursday).
Pacer Shaheen Afridi, all-rounder Shadab Khan and opener Shan Masood are among the players who have signed up for this season, which includes County Championship, One Day Cup and T20 Blast.
“Notts play an aggressive brand of cricket, which suits me well,” said Afridi, who will play for Nottinghamshire Outlaws in the T20 Blast.
“They’ve had great success in recent years and the likes of Alex Hales, Colin Munro and Joe Clarke are players I have faced up against in recent years and been impressed by.
“The goal is obviously to influence games to make the team as successful as possible.
“Having played at Trent Bridge, I know it is a fast-scoring ground and as a bowler you need to get your line and lengths right, but you also get the rewards when you do that.
“It’s definitely an exciting move for me, and one I’m looking forward to.”
Meanwhile, Sussex Bowling Coach, James Kirtley, was looking forward to working with Shadab.
"Shadab will provide amazing experience in our middle order, he is someone who has played all around the world and has experienced many situations, which can only benefit our team,” said Kirtley.
"He really does provide flexibility to our side as he can score runs and take wickets in crucial moments, but more than anything else he is an experienced head that Ravi can go to as captain to look for support when making crucial in-game decisions.
"I know that he will have a massive impact on our team this year."
However, the availability of Pakistan players will depend on international duties since the Men in Green will be busy playing against New Zealand in April-May. They will also face Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in July and August, respectively.
List of Pakistan players who have signed for County Cricket
Shaheen Afridi (Nottinghamshire) – T20 Blast
Haider Ali (Derbyshire) – County Championship, Royal London One Day Cup, T20 Blast
Shadab Khan (Sussex) – 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