Abdullah Shafique, the accomplished Pakistani top-order batsman, has struck a short-term agreement to represent Yorkshire in county cricket. His tenure includes participation in two County Championship matches in June and Yorkshire’s concluding four group matches in the Vitality Blast T20 competition.
Shafique, 25, brings considerable experience with 22 Test caps for Pakistan, amassing five centuries and maintaining an average of 38.56. Additionally, he has appeared in 24 One Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals. In T20 cricket, Shafique has a batting average of 29.36 and a strike rate of 134.43. Notably, he was the fourth leading run-scorer in the recent Pakistan Super League, playing a pivotal role for the champion team, Lahore Qalandars.
The batsman is scheduled to arrive in time for Yorkshire’s Championship clash against current Division One leaders Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. His presence will also be pivotal when Yorkshire face Essex in York, and he might compete in both T20 fixtures against Lancashire. “I’m immensely pleased to be afforded this opportunity with Yorkshire and I’m eager to join up with the team ahead of a big game against Nottinghamshire,” Shafique remarked. He also expressed enthusiasm about playing at Headingley and participating in the storied Roses fixture. “There is so much history at this club, and I hope I can contribute on the pitch at what is a very important period of the season for the team.”
This signing complements Yorkshire’s existing roster that includes Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland for the Blast and Championship games, alongside New Zealand paceman Will O’Rourke, who has featured in the Blast on an initial eight-game arrangement.
Currently, Yorkshire occupies the second-to-last position in Division One of the Championship and are at the bottom in the North Group of the Blast. Head coach Anthony McGrath expressed his optimism: “Abdullah is another technically gifted, all-format player that we are delighted has signed with us. He has a tremendous skillset and has scored big runs at the highest level of the game. This is a really positive signing for us that will strengthen us greatly. We’re all looking forward to Abdullah joining up with the squad next week.”
With Shafique’s inclusion, Yorkshire are hoping for a bolstered performance heading into a critical juncture of their season.
