(From left) This mixture of photographs exhibits Pakistani quick bowler Khurram Shahzad and Worcestershire CCC head coach Alan Richardson. — Reporter
WORCESTER: Worcestershire County Cricket Membership has signed promising Pakistani seamer Khurram Shahzad in hope to alter their fortunes in county championship, a transfer head coach Alan Richardson believes won’t solely strengthen the membership’s tempo assault throughout all codecs but in addition assist the participant’s evolving worldwide profession.Â
Worcestershire are presently at backside of the Division one desk after 7 matches with a solitary victory, whereas within the T20 Blast they’re at fifth spot within the North group however are hopeful that the latest signing of Pakistani seamer will assist them to flip the tables round within the second half of the season.
“Khurram fits that really well in terms of the quality he brings on the pitch. Jacob Duffy’s been with us in his half of the season, and then he leaves us to go on a tour in New Zealand, so it’s a perfect opportunity.”
The 25-year-old pacer, who has already made a reputation for himself in Pakistan’s home circuit and caught wider consideration throughout the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL).
Richardson revealed that the membership carried out an intensive vetting course of earlier than finalising the transfer. “We’ve done our due diligence, watched quite a bit, and spoke to quite a few people,” he mentioned. “He seems to be a really good fit for us.”
Khurram, who already boasts vital expertise in Pakistan’s first-class scene, is seen by Worcestershire as a bowler on the verge of constructing lengthy lasting impression on the worldwide stage. With early Take a look at publicity and a stable PSL season underneath his belt, the younger fast is aiming to grow to be a daily for Pakistan.
To date he is performed in 6 take a look at matches for Pakistan claiming 20 wickets. In not too long ago concluded tenth version of PSL he was instrumental in serving to his workforce Quetta Gladiators to make into the ultimate the place they misplaced to eventual winners Lahore Qalandars. Khurram performed in 8 matches for the Gladiators and bagged 12 wickets.Â
But it surely’s his first-class expertise which helped the administration at Worcester to safe the deal. In 59 first-class video games Khurram has 201 scalps to his identify.
“Khurram is 25 years old, but he’s already played a lot of first-class cricket,” Richardson identified. “Last season and in the PSL, I thought he impressed. He’s at the start of his international journey and he wants to play more Test matches and international cricket.”
Richardson in contrast Khurram’s arrival to that of New Zealand’s Nathan Smith final 12 months, who hadn’t performed worldwide cricket when he joined Worcestershire however has since damaged into the nationwide setup.Â
“It’d be really nice to help Khurram be part of that, and play a part in how his career evolves,” mentioned Richardson. “We’re really excited to see him and to have him as part of the Worcestershire family.”
Khurram’s signing represents not only a key acquisition for the rest of the season but in addition a continuation of Worcestershire’s custom of fostering abroad expertise whereas sustaining sturdy ties with the cricketing neighborhood in Pakistan. In recent times leg spinner Usama Mir, quick bowler Mohammad Hasnain and former captain Azhar Ali additionally featured for Worcestershire throughout codecs.
One of the crucial influential voices behind the transfer was none apart from Azhar Ali, the previous Pakistan Take a look at captain and Worcestershire’s abroad star in 2022 and 2023.Â
Richardson described Azhar’s advice as “glowing” and mentioned his enter was very important in assessing each Khurram’s cricketing talents and his character.
“Azhar Ali, for me, is an absolute legend,” Richardson mentioned. “We were really lucky to have him with us for two years at the club, and we’ve kept in close contact with him. He’s always shown a real interest in how the club continues to progress.”
“When we were having a look at seamers and Khurram came on our radar, Azhar was the most obvious person to go to. We spoke to him about Khurram as a player and also as a person, and he was very glowing about him. You trust his opinion on people and players.”
The session was extra than simply transactional — it additionally reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the membership and Azhar. “It was really nice to touch base with Azhar and for him to give us some advice on how we move forward,” Richardson added.
Khurram, who already boasts vital expertise in Pakistan’s first-class scene, is seen by Worcestershire as a bowler on the cusp of constructing an enduring impression at worldwide stage. With early Take a look at publicity and a stable PSL season underneath his belt, the younger fast is aiming to grow to be a daily for Pakistan.
