Shan Masood to Join Leicestershire County Cricket Club for 2025 Season 🏏
Leicestershire County Cricket Club has announced the signing of Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on an all-format deal, commencing in the 2025 summer. This acquisition marks a significant boost to the club's lineup, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven batting pedigree to Grace Road. The 35-year-old Masood, who recently oversaw a victorious Test series against England, is expected to begin his stint in May, following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League, with a debut anticipated on May 17 against Derbyshire.
A Look Back at Masood's Career
This move officially concludes Masood’s association with Yorkshire, where he captained the club since 2023 following a two-year agreement. During his time with Yorkshire, he amassed an impressive 1,240 County Championship runs at an average of 53.91 across 15 matches, playing a crucial role in the team's promotion back to Division One in 2024. His journey to Yorkshire followed a highly successful 2022 season with Derbyshire, where he scored a remarkable 1,078 first-class runs at an average of 82.61. Notably, during his time with Derbyshire, Masood achieved a memorable feat in April, scoring 219 against Leicestershire in an innings victory, becoming the first Derbyshire batter to score back-to-back double centuries following a score of 239 versus Sussex the previous week.
International Experience and Squad Dynamics
Masood boasts a substantial international career, having been capped 90 times by Pakistan across all formats, including 42 Test caps. He joins Leicestershire's existing overseas options, club captain Peter Handscomb and Netherlands allrounder Logan van Beek, further strengthening the team's capabilities. His availability throughout the season is anticipated, barring any unforeseen circumstances. While no Test matches are currently scheduled for the English summer, there remains a possibility of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recalling him for a limited-overs tour of the Caribbean commencing on July 2024. However, his last appearance in Pakistan's white-ball setup was in May 2023.
Player and Club Statements
“I am really excited to have the chance to play all three formats for Leicestershire,” Masood stated in an official club release. “I have always admired the club and have had great conversations with a lot of the team during the last three seasons. I love playing at Uptonsteel County Ground. The fans get behind the team in strong numbers and the games I have been a part of have always been a great spectacle. The club has been very competitive in all formats and produced some fantastic young players over the last few years. It is an exciting time to join the Foxes.”
Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, echoed Masood’s enthusiasm, adding, “We are delighted to welcome someone of Shan's calibre to Leicestershire. He is a proven talent both internationally and in county cricket, and someone who can win matches in all three formats. Shan completes a fantastic line-up of overseas additions to our squad. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the team both on and off the pitch.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When will Shan Masood begin playing for Leicestershire? He is expected to begin in May 2025, following the Pakistan Super League.
- What is Masood's role within the Leicestershire team? He will be available for all three formats and is expected to provide leadership and experience.
- Could Masood be called up for international duty during the English summer? While no Test matches are scheduled, a recall for limited-overs matches is possible.
- What was Masood’s contribution to Yorkshire? He captained the team and helped secure promotion to Division One with a significant run-scoring record.
- Who are Leicestershire's other overseas players? The team also includes Peter Handscomb and Logan van Beek.