Yorkshire County Cricket Club sign Faheem Ashraf as replacement for Will Sutherland

Yorkshire County Cricket Club have confirmed the signing of Pakistan allrounder Faheem Ashraf for the upcoming Vitality Blast campaign, with the experienced international arriving as a replacement for injured Australian allrounder Will Sutherland.

Sutherland, who was set for a return stint at Headingley, has been ruled out after suffering a shoulder injury, prompting Yorkshire to move quickly in securing Faheem’s services for the T20 competition. The 32-year-old Pakistani allrounder will also be available for two County Championship fixtures during his stay with the club.

Faheem is expected to join the squad ahead of Yorkshire’s opening Vitality Blast match against Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club at Trent Bridge on May 22 and will remain with the side throughout the tournament. In addition to his T20 commitments, he could feature in Championship encounters against Warwickshire County Cricket Club at Scarborough and away to Leicestershire County Cricket Club in June.

Expressing his excitement over the move, Faheem said he had heard positive things about the club from fellow Pakistan players who previously represented Yorkshire.

“I’m delighted to be joining Yorkshire. Many of my fellow Pakistan players have represented the club and have spoken highly of both the environment and the quality of players within the squad. I’m really looking forward to arriving at Headingley,” Faheem said.

Faheem brings considerable experience to the Yorkshire setup, having represented Pakistan in 85 T20 Internationals. He has also featured in franchise leagues around the world, including the Big Bash League, Bangladesh Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and England’s Vitality Blast. Recently, he became only the second player in Pakistan Super League history to achieve the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets.

Yorkshire’s general manager of cricket, Gavin Hamilton, welcomed the signing and highlighted the value Faheem would add to the squad.

“Faheem is an experienced multi-format player who will be a really valuable addition to the squad. He brings a great ability to score quick, lower-order runs as well as the skill to make a real impact with the ball,” Hamilton said.

Yorkshire will hope Faheem’s allround abilities can strengthen their campaign as they aim for a successful run in this season’s Vitality Blast.