Pakistan Captain Shan Masood Joins Leicestershire for County Cricket

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has signed a contract with Leicestershire for the 2025 season, where he will participate in all formats. With over 22,000 career runs and notable county experience, he is set to join the team following the Pakistan Super League. Masood has expressed excitement about joining Leicestershire and the impact he aims to have on the team.

Shan Masood, Pakistan’s Test captain, has signed an all-format deal with Leicestershire for the 2025 season. At 35 years old, he will join club captain Peter Handscomb and Netherlands international Logan van Beek as overseas players. Masood is expected to arrive at Uptonsteel County Ground after the Pakistan Super League concluding in mid-May, just in time for the Foxes’ Vitality Blast opener on May 31.

Masood has accumulated over 22,000 career runs since making his debut in 2007, including 45 centuries. He is on the verge of achieving 12,000 runs in first-class cricket, boasting a batting average close to 40, and demonstrating effectiveness in limited-overs formats as well. The Kuwait-born batsman averages 26.53 in T20s with a strike rate of 125.3 and excels in List A matches with an average exceeding 52.

Having represented Pakistan in 70 matches, Masood also possesses considerable county cricket experience. After a successful debut season at Derbyshire in 2022 with 1,832 runs from 28 matches, he moved to Yorkshire, where his captaincy resulted in promotion to Division One.

Upon joining Leicestershire, Masood expressed excitement: “I am really excited to have the chance to play all three formats for Leicestershire… I love playing at Uptonsteel County Ground. The fans get behind the team in strong numbers… It’s an exciting time to join the Foxes.”

Director of Cricket Claude Henderson remarked on the addition of Masood, stating, “We are delighted to welcome someone of Shan’s calibre to Leicestershire… His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the team both on and off the pitch.”

In conclusion, Shan Masood’s signing with Leicestershire for the 2025 season marks a significant addition to the club’s cricketing lineup. With his extensive experience and impressive track record, Masood is poised to make a remarkable impact across all formats. His enthusiasm for playing at Uptonsteel County Ground and the team’s promising development underlines the potential for a successful season ahead for the Foxes.

Original Source: sports.ndtv.com