Sports
8 Pakistani cricketers to play in UK's T20 Vitality Blast
Eight Pakistani cricketers set to shine in UK's T20 Vitality Blast 2023.
Wales, England: The upcoming edition of the Vitality Blast, which kicks off today at Birmingham's Edgbaston stadium, will feature eight Pakistani cricketers. The T20 tournament, now in its 21st year, will span nine weeks of thrilling cricket action.
Among the Pakistani players participating are fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, pacer Hasan Ali, opener Shan Masood, all-rounder Shadab Khan, spinner Zafar Gohar, leg-spinner Usama Mir, young talent Haider Ali, and pacer Zaman Khan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, representing Nottinghamshire Outlaws, had a memorable moment in the 2020 edition when he took four wickets in four deliveries for Hampshire Hawks against Middlesex.
Shan Masood, leading Yorkshire Vikings this year, was the top run-scorer for the Derbyshire Falcons in the previous edition, contributing 547 runs and leading the team to the quarter-finals.
Hasan Ali will feature for Birmingham Bears, forming a formidable pace attack alongside Chris Woakes, while Shadab Khan will represent Sussex Sharks throughout the tournament.
Derbyshire Falcons have signed explosive batsman Haider Ali, who has played for Pakistan in 33 T20Is, and he will also be part of the T20 Blast.
Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar will continue to impress for Gloucestershire CCC, showcasing his all-around skills for Gloucester Gorillas.
Zaman Khan, a promising 21-year-old pacer, has been drafted by Derbyshire Falcons alongside Haider Ali, adding further excitement to the tournament.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir will represent Worcestershire Rapids, bringing his talents to the blast after playing six ODIs for Pakistan and featuring in the PSL for Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans.