Zafar Gohar Joins Middlesex as Local Player on Two-Year Deal

Former Pakistan spinner Zafar Gohar has signed a two-year contract with Middlesex, now playing as a locally qualified player after receiving British citizenship. Having spent four seasons with Gloucestershire as an overseas signing, Gohar will now bolster Middlesex’s lineup across all formats.

A Strengthening Move for Middlesex

Middlesex’s managing director of cricket, Alan Coleman, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve long admired Zafar and feel thrilled to add an international-quality spinner to our squad. His skillset is perfect to increase our wicket-taking threat in all conditions, enhancing our performance in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.” Further, Coleman added that Gohar’s experience will benefit the team, providing leadership for young spinners and adding depth to Middlesex’s bowling arsenal.

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Gohar’s Background and Impressive Record

Zafar Gohar, who last represented Pakistan in a 2021 Test against New Zealand, has shown strong results in domestic cricket. For Gloucestershire, he claimed 118 wickets at an average of 31.71 in first-class games, along with 17 wickets in List A and 9 in T20 formats. His ability to contribute with the bat adds further value, though his participation in the 2024 season was of just six County Championship matches.

Gohar’s Excitement to Play for Middlesex

Expressing his excitement, Gohar said, “I’m thrilled to make Lord’s my home ground with Middlesex for the next two years. It’s a club with rich history, and I’m excited to contribute to both red-ball and white-ball teams in what I hope will be a successful season.” His move to Middlesex marks a significant step forward as he joins the club as a local player, thanks to his new citizenship.

A Boost for Middlesex’s Lineup

Adding Gohar strengthens Middlesex’s chances in the County Championship and one-day formats. His experience, both internationally and in the English county system, makes him a valuable asset for the team as they aim for stronger performances across competitions.