Pakistan all-rounder signs long-term contract with Middlesex cricket

Middlesex Cricket is excited to announce the signing of all-rounder Zafar Gohar, who joins the Club immediately on a contract that runs until the end of the 2026 season. The Lahore-born left-arm spinner brings a wealth of experience and skill to Middlesex, having represented Pakistan in both Test and One Day International formats.

Gohar arrives at Middlesex following a successful four-year spell with Gloucestershire, where he made a significant impact in the domestic circuit. Now, as a local cricketer, he will be eligible to participate in all three formats of the game for Middlesex, enhancing the team’s depth and versatility.

Throughout his career, Gohar has made 84 first-class appearances, claiming 300 wickets at an impressive average of 31.52. His best bowling figures stand at 7 for 79, and he has contributed with the bat, scoring 2,538 runs at an average of 22.46, including a top score of 100 not out.

In the white-ball formats, Gohar has played 160 matches, amassing 199 wickets, with standout figures of 5 for 56 in List A cricket and 4 for 14 in T20s. During his time with Gloucestershire, he played 34 first-class matches, taking 118 wickets and achieving best figures of 6 for 43.

Middlesex's Managing Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Zafar is a player that we have admired for some time now and have been keeping a watchful eye on. We are delighted to have secured his services as a local cricketer for the next two seasons.

“In Championship cricket we have identified the need to increase our wicket-taking threat in all conditions and adding an international quality spinner to our line-up will strengthen us and add a greater threat on all types of surfaces. Adding a senior bowler to our white-ball teams will also help the side in those situations where we’ve lacked some experience in the shorter formats in recent years.

Coleman further emphasized the importance of Gohar’s experience, particularly for the club’s younger spinners: “The addition of someone like Zafar to our squad adds not only quality but also invaluable experience, and our young spinners will benefit enormously from having him in the playing group. We are excited to see what Zafar can do for Middlesex and are delighted to have him on board.”

Expressing his excitement about the move, Zafar Gohar remarked, “I'm thrilled to be joining Middlesex and making Lord's my home ground for the next two years. It’s a club steeped in history, and to be a part of this next chapter is hugely exciting. The opportunity to contribute to both the red-ball and white-ball teams formed a big part of my decision to make Middlesex my home, and I can't wait to play my part in what I hope will be a successful 2025 for the club.”