In a significant mid-season turn of events, Pakistan’s veteran opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has formally been signed on by Yorkshire County Cricket Club as their overseas recruit for the remainder of the 2025 season. His signing follows India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad’s withdrawal from his stint at the club due to personal reasons.
Imam will be available straight away, making his first appearance in the pivotal County Championship fixture against Surrey at Scarborough. He will also play a major role in Yorkshire’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign and the remaining County Championship fixtures until September.
Imam-ul-Haq: Experienced International Talent Enters Yorkshire
Left-handed batting nephew of Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq has plenty of overseas experience to offer Yorkshire. Imam has played 24 Tests for Pakistan and has made three centuries as well as nine hundreds in 75 ODIs.
His recent time at Somerset in 2022 has given him valuable knowledge of English conditions. Imam’s recent form is impressive. He assisted Pakistan Television to win the President’s Cup, a major domestic competition, in March.
Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire’s General Manager of Cricket, expressed enthusiasm about the signing:
“We’re delighted to have Imam-ul-Haq join us. His international pedigree and previous county experience make him a fantastic asset. While it’s unfortunate that Ruturaj Gaikwad couldn’t be with us, Imam is a high-quality replacement who can make an immediate impact.”
Fast-Track Signing Amid Crucial Fixtures
Hamilton complimented the professionalism and swiftness with which the signing was conducted, enabling Imam to settle into the team without any delay.
“We’re thankful for the way Imam came over quickly in the UK and fitted into the team. His experience will be crucial in us getting through this significant period of the season.“
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Caleb Jewell to Return to Derbyshire in 2026
In news from other county cricket, Australian batsman Caleb Jewell is to come back to Derbyshire for 2026. Jewell has played a key role in the success of Derbyshire in Division Two this season, sitting fifth in the run-scorers table with 821 runs at 54.73, including his record 232 against Kent.
Head of Cricket Mickey Arthur stated:
“Caleb has performed and behaved superbly. He’s settled well into English conditions and has brought resilience and concentration—traits we greatly value.“
Jewell was in unison with the above, as he went on to say:
Derbyshire is home now. The players and staff have been extremely welcoming, and I’m looking forward to contributing even more to the team next season.
The signing of Imam-ul-Haq gives Yorkshire breathing space in their plans across the formats and especially so, because he has a working knowledge of English conditions and has accumulated some solid international performances. Meanwhile, the announcement of Caleb Jewell’s return adds consistency and firepower to Derbyshire’s plans.
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Both signings clearly show developing patterns in county cricket as clubs continue to seek the best overseas talent to ensure that they remain competitive.
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