Mohammad Ali Joins Nottinghamshire for Vitality Blast After PSL Success

Mohammad Ali will join Nottinghamshire ahead of the upcoming Vitality T20 Blast after the county extended his contract following the unavailability of veteran Australian seamer Peter Siddle.

The 33-year-old Pakistan fast bowler was initially signed for Nottinghamshire’s One-Day Cup and County Championship campaigns during August and September. However, the club has now confirmed that Ali will also feature in the T20 Blast squad.

Ali arrives in England after an impressive season in the Pakistan Super League, where he represented Hyderabad Kingsmen. The right-arm pacer claimed 20 wickets during the tournament, playing a major role in helping the franchise reach the final and earning recognition in ESPNcricinfo’s Team of the Tournament.

Speaking about the opportunity, Ali expressed his excitement about playing at Trent Bridge and featuring in English domestic cricket.

“I am really pleased to get the opportunity to come to Trent Bridge earlier than expected, and I am really looking forward to the Vitality Blast,” Ali said. “I have heard a lot about how good Trent Bridge is to play at, and I can’t wait to meet the team and play in front of the brilliant fans.”

Ali has represented Pakistan national cricket team in eight international matches across formats, with his most recent appearance coming in March 2025.

Nottinghamshire were forced to revise their overseas plans after Siddle became ineligible for the Blast due to his participation in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa, a tournament categorized as “disapproved cricket.”

Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the signing and praised Ali’s recent performances and experience.

“When it became clear last month that we'd have to find another overseas player for this year's Vitality Blast, Mohammad was the obvious choice,” Moores said. “With his recent performances in the PSL, I’m really excited by what he can bring to our group.”

Nottinghamshire begin their Vitality Blast campaign on Friday against Yorkshire in the North Group. Alongside Ali, the club will also feature South African spinner George Linde as one of their overseas players.