Pakistan pacer Faheem Ashraf signs with Yorkshire County Cricket Club as an overseas player for the 2026 season. He replaces injured Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland and is set to play in both Vitality Blast and County Championship.
Pakistan pacer Faheem Ashraf has signed a deal with Yorkshire County Cricket Club as an overseas player for the upcoming 2026 season, marking his second stint in county cricket. The 32-year-old left-armer comes in as a replacement for injured Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland, who had been part of Yorkshire’s plans but was ruled out due to injury.
Ashraf is expected to be available for the club throughout the group stage of the Vitality Blast and will also feature in County Championship rounds seven and eight during his spell. This marks Ashraf's second appearance in the Vitality Blast; he previously played for Northamptonshire in 2019, where he made 11 appearances and claimed 11 wickets with the ball while contributing 36 runs with the bat.
The Pakistan all-rounder has had a notable season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), turning out for Islamabad United in the 11th edition of the tournament. During that campaign, Ashraf became only the second all-rounder in PSL history to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a genuine match-winner.
Beyond the PSL, Faheem has gained significant experience playing for multiple franchise leagues around the world. In the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), he spent four seasons, taking 44 wickets in 25 matches while also scoring 173 runs. He has also played in the Big Bash League, representing Hobart Hurricanes in a single season where he picked up seven wickets in nine appearances and scored 61 runs.
In his remarks after signing with Yorkshire, Faheem expressed delight at joining the historic county side and acknowledged the rich history of Pakistan players who have previously represented the club. "I'm delighted to be joining Yorkshire. Many of my fellow Pakistan players have represented the club and have spoken highly of both the environment and the quality of players within the squad," he said.
Yorkshire’s General Manager of Cricket, Gavin Hamilton, echoed these sentiments, praising Ashraf's skills as an experienced multi-format player who will bring significant value to the team. "Faheem is an experienced multi-format player who will be a really valuable addition to the squad," Hamilton stated. "He brings a great ability to score quick lower-order runs as well as the skill to make a real impact with the ball."
With Ashraf set to join Yorkshire, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating his performances in both the Vitality Blast and County Championship matches. His arrival is expected to add depth and dynamism to the team's lineup, further solidifying Yorkshire’s status as one of the premier county cricket clubs in England.