Afghanistan spinner Zahir Khan excited to play county cricket for Lancashire

After taking the IPL by storm this season, the Afghanistan players are now taking over county cricket as well. Zahir Khan is the latest entrant as Lancashire signed him for the remainder of the season. The talented left-arm wrist spinner who was picked by the Rajasthan Royals couldn’t feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a result of an injury.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his international debut though he was included in the squad for Afghanistan’s maiden Test. He was a part of the U19 World Cup 2018 in New Zealand that the Indians won. Zahir was jubilant and looked forward to playing the county season. He is confident of doing well there.

Always been an ambition to play County Cricket

The youngster has an exceptional first-class record. He has picked a total of 34 FC wickets in 7 matches at a splendid average of 13.14. Hence, it’s no surprise that Lancashire signed him to strengthen their spin bowling department. His bowling was instrumental in taking the Afghan team to the semis in the U19 World Cup.

“I’m really excited to be signing for Lancashire for the rest of the campaign, ” he said. “It’s always been an ambition of mine to play county cricket in England and test myself against some of the world’s best players. I can’t wait to get started now,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

I have heard a lot of good things about Lancashire from Buttler 

English wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals setup. Sharing the dressing room with him, Zahir got quite a few insights about county cricket. At the moment there are many players from Afghanistan who are in England playing the T20 Blast. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammed Nabi have already signed up with different counties.

“I have heard a lot of good things about Lancashire and Old Trafford from Jos Buttler when I played with him at the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. I hope to make a significant contribution during my stay here,” he added.

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