Yorkshire have roped in Abdullah Shafique on a short-term deal to represent the club for two rounds of the ongoing County Championship in June and the last four group matches of the Vitality Blast next month.
The signing comes at an important juncture in the season for Yorkshire, who are currently struggling to stay afloat in both the County Championship and the Vitality Blast. They currently sit second last in the Championship table, ahead only of Worcestershire, and are anchored to the bottom of the standings in the North Group of the Blast.
Shafique, who recently played an immense role in seeing his team, Lahore Qalandars, win the PSL, is expected to provide stability to the top order as the club attempts to get a grip on its campaign across formats.
The Pakistani batter will link up with the team before Yorkshire’s next Championship fixture against table-toppers Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. He will also feature in the following round against Essex at York. More importantly, his stint in the T20 Blast will likely see him playing both Roses clashes of the tournament, which Abdullah himself is excited to be a part of.
Expressing his excitement, Shafique said, “I’m immensely pleased to be afforded this opportunity with Yorkshire and I’m eager to join up with the team ahead of a big game against Nottinghamshire. Headingley is a venue I’ve always wanted to play at and I’m excited to experience a Roses fixture, which I’ve already heard will have an incredible atmosphere!
“There is so much history at this club, and I hope I can contribute on the pitch at what is a very important period of the season for the team.”
Shafique brings an international pedigree to the club, having represented Pakistan across formats in international cricket. During his 22-Test games long career, he has scored five tons at an average of 38.56, and also has a double century to his name. His numbers, still, do not do justice to the sort of player he is, largely because of a slump in form that he has been going through lately.
Anthony McGrath, Yorkshire’s head coach, believes Shafique’s addition provides a timely boost to the side. “Abdullah is another technically gifted, all-format player that we are delighted has signed with us. He has a tremendous skillset and has scored big runs at the highest level of the game,” McGrath said.
“This is a really positive signing for us that will strengthen us greatly. We’re all looking forward to Abdullah joining up with the squad next week.”
Shafique’s signing follows the appointment of Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland, who will be available for both the Blast and Championship legs, and New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke, who only has one game left with the side, having been signed for the first eight of their Blast games. While Yorkshire had originally wanted O’Rourke to play red-ball cricket as well, his availability in the Championship remains up in the air, with New Zealand’s series with Zimbabwe in July inching closer.
