Leicestershire Cricket signs Naseem Shah for Vitality Blast Opener

Lahore: Leicestershire County Cricket Club has secured a short-term deal with Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah for the initial phase of the Vitality Blast tournament.

Naseem will serve as cover for overseas player Naveen-ul-Haq from Afghanistan, who is currently engaged in the IPL playoffs with the Lucknow Super Giants. Naseem is scheduled to arrive in England on Tuesday and will be ready to play for Leicestershire in their Blast opening match against Lancashire on Thursday.

Claude Henderson, Director of Cricket at Leicestershire, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing, stating, "Given Naveen's involvement in the IPL playoffs, we had to act swiftly, and we are thrilled to have secured someone of Naseem's caliber. He has showcased his world-class skills in T20 cricket, and we are excited to see him donning the Leicestershire jersey soon."

Leicestershire will kick off their campaign with consecutive matches, beginning with an away game against Lancashire, followed by a home match against Warwickshire, and then a trip to Worcestershire on Monday. If Lucknow progresses to the IPL final on Sunday, it is expected that Naveen will be unavailable for all three fixtures.

Naseem previously represented Gloucestershire in the Blast last season, where he claimed five wickets in three matches. He had also signed with Welsh Fire for participation in The Hundred but had to withdraw due to international commitments.

Expressing his excitement, Naseem shared, "I am thrilled to join the Foxes for the start of the Vitality Blast. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting my teammates and contributing to Leicestershire's victories."