Yorkshire have signed Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq as an overseas player for the remainder of the ongoing English domestic season. He will be available for selection in their upcoming County Championship clash against Surrey at Scarborough.
Imam replaces India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, who withdrew from his stint with the club citing personal reasons. With this signing, Imam becomes the second Pakistani cricketer to represent Yorkshire, following Abdullah Shafique.
Yorkshire’s general manager of cricket, Gavin Hamilton, welcomed the arrival of the left-hander. “We’re delighted that Imam has joined us and that he will be available immediately,” he said.
He also acknowledged the setback of losing Gaikwad but expressed full faith in Imam’s capabilities. “Whilst we were naturally disappointed that Ruturaj couldn’t join up with the squad, in Imam, we have an exceptional player of proven international quality,” he added.
Hamilton further highlighted Imam’s domestic experience and the impact he could have in the upcoming fixtures.
“Imam has an impressive record and is already familiar with domestic cricket in this country, which will stand us in good stead for a crucial block of fixtures. We are grateful for the speed at which he has arrived in the country, and everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him until the end of the season,” he concluded.
This is not Imam’s first stint in English county cricket. He previously played for Somerset during the 2022 County Championship season, scoring 177 runs in three matches. That run included two half-centuries, with a top score of 90.
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