Pakistan spinner Noman Ali joins County Championship side Lancashire

Lancashire have signed Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali for the remainder of the 2026 County Championship season, with the experienced bowler set to feature in the club's final six first-class matches across August and September.

The 39-year-old will strengthen Lancashire's spin attack during the closing stages of the campaign and is expected to make his debut against Northamptonshire at Emirates Old Trafford on August 20.

Noman arrives in England with an outstanding Test record, having taken more than 100 wickets since making his Pakistan debut in 2021 at an average of around 25.

The left-arm spinner has established himself as one of Pakistan's leading red-ball bowlers in recent years, highlighted by career-best figures of 8-46 against England and becoming the first Pakistan spinner to claim a Test hat-trick during a match against the West Indies in 2025.

His performances also propelled him to second in the ICC Men's Test bowling rankings in October last year after claiming a 10-wicket match haul against South Africa in the first Test in Lahore.

Speaking after completing the move, Noman said he was excited to experience English county cricket for the first time.

"I am looking forward to playing for Lancashire and experiencing county cricket in England for the first time. The County Championship is a great competition and I'm very excited to play at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground," he said.

The Pakistan international also highlighted Lancashire's rich cricketing heritage and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one of his country's greatest players.

"Lancashire is one of the biggest clubs in the UK, with so much history and heritage. I am following in the footsteps of a Pakistan hero, Wasim Akram, who played for Lancashire for many years.

"I'm looking forward to joining up with my new teammates and will be doing all I can to make an impact on and off the field."