Imam-ul-Haq has landed in Scarborough just in time for Yorkshire’s four-day match against Surrey, the county confirming the Pakistan opener will stay on until the close of the 2025 summer. His arrival plugs the hole left by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who withdrew from a previously agreed stint for personal reasons.
A left-hander of considerable pedigree – three Test hundreds, nine in one-day internationals and a haul of runs for Somerset back in 2022 – Imam needs little introduction to county followers. Even so, his decision to swap a warm July in Lahore for the North Sea breeze feels significant. Yorkshire have stuttered with the bat in both Championship and limited-overs cricket; a proven international is plainly useful.
“We’re delighted that Imam has joined us and that he will be available immediately,” Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire’s general manager of cricket, said. “Whilst we were naturally disappointed that Ruturaj couldn’t join up with the squad, in Imam we have an exceptional player of proven international quality. Imam has an impressive record and is already familiar with domestic cricket in this country which will stand us in good stead for a crucial block of fixtures. We are grateful for the speed in which he has arrived in the country and everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him through until the end of the season.”
Those fixtures include the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in August and a run-in that could yet see Yorkshire climb the Championship standings. Imam’s last competitive outing came in March when he guided Pakistan Television to the President’s Cup title, so he is match-ready even if English pitches in mid-summer ask different questions – a bit more seam, the odd cloud cover, you know the drill.
Jewell booked for another summer
Down at Derby, the mood is equally upbeat. Caleb Jewell, the Australia A batter currently fifth on Division Two’s run-scoring list, has already agreed to return in 2026. The left-hander has 821 runs at 54.73, highlighted by a career-best 232 against Kent, and has clearly convinced the club he is worth a longer stay.
“Caleb has performed brilliantly in the first half of the season, despite adapting to new conditions, and we were keen to get a deal done quickly,” Mickey Arthur, Derbyshire’s head of cricket, said. “As well as his stellar performances, Caleb has also settled into our dressing room really well. He brings real grit and determination to our ranks, the exact qualities you want from an overseas signing.”
Jewell himself sounded equally content. “I’ve loved my time with Derbyshire so far and I’m really happy to have signed for next season already. There’s a great bunch of players at this club, they’ve all made me feel so welcome and that’s been reflected on the field with positive results, particularly in red-ball cricket. Hopefully we can have a strong 50-over competition and then focus our efforts on staying in the hunt for promotion, to give our supporters a really memorable season.”
Promotion remains a realistic target; Derbyshire sit second in Division Two and, with Jewell in the middle order, look anything but under-powered. Yorkshire, meanwhile, have their own ambitions. If Imam settles quickly – and if that Scarborough sea fret stays away – both counties could yet have plenty to cheer when September rolls round.
