Pakistan spinner Zafar Gohar signs new deal with Gloucestershire

Pakistan spinner Zafar Gohar has signed a new contract which will keep him at Gloucestershire till 2024. The southpaw joined the club on a short-term basis in 2021 but based on his phenomenal performances over the course of a year, the management decided to extend his contract for two more years.

The 27-year-old was named the Bowler of the Season and the Players’ Player of the season after picking 60 wickets across formats in the domestic circuit. The cricketer has also been very effective with the bat. Zafar scored 493 runs at an average of 27.38 in 11 First Class games he played for the side. He also smashed 204 runs in eight matches in the 50-overs format.

While talking about his new contract, the spinner mentioned his time in Bristol and his willingness to go back and play for the team again.

“I’m delighted to have committed my future to Gloucestershire for the next two years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Bristol last season and have made some great friends in the dressing room, so I’m really excited to be back,” Zafar said after signing the contract.

The spinner also made himself available to play all three formats next season. He is expected to join Gloucestershire in spring 2023 for their pre-season training.

Despite being extremely successful in England, the Men in Green have put him far behind in the pecking order. Gohar played only one ODI and Test match for Pakistan and is unlikely to return to the squad anytime soon.

In his only ODI match against England in 2015, he picked up two wickets giving 54 runs in 10 overs. While in his only Test against New Zealand in 2021, the spinner failed to pick any wicket as Pakistan lost the match by an innings and 176 runs.