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Heartbroken by ill PCB treatment, Pakistan Test player defects to England and eyes playing for them soon
Zafar Gohar says ill-treatment by the PCB drove him to seek representation for England. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner has played for Pakistan in 2015 and 2021, and now plies his trade in English county cricket with Middlesex, holding British citizenship and eyeing a possible future with England.
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions between players and the national board, and shows how citizenship eligibility can create paths to represent another country, with England’s county system potentially serving as a bridge to national selection.
Timeline
6 Events
84 vs Northamptonshire in county cricket (April 2026)
April 2026
In his last county innings earlier this month, he scored 84 against Northamptonshire, continuing his strong form for Middlesex.
Joined Middlesex from Gloucestershire (last season) and citizenship
2025
Gohar moved from Gloucestershire to Middlesex in the 2025 season and has since represented Middlesex, acquiring British citizenship.
Gloucestershire county season: nearly 50 wickets and ~500 runs (2022)
2022
In 2022, playing for Gloucestershire, Gohar took nearly 50 wickets and scored almost 500 runs, illustrating his all-round contribution in county cricket.
Pakistan Test debut in Christchurch against New Zealand (2021)
2021
In the Test at Christchurch, Gohar bowled in the only innings he was used and went wicketless while conceding more than 150 runs; Pakistan lost the match by an innings. He batted 34 and 37 in the two innings.
Misbah-ul-Haq pre-Test remark ahead of 2021 Test
2021
Misbah-ul-Haq told Gohar before a Test match that Pakistan lacked seam allrounders, and that he would bat at No. 8 and bowl a few overs if needed.
Pakistan ODI debut against England (Sharjah, 2015) where Gohar dismissed Hales and Root
2015
Zafar Gohar represented Pakistan in a single ODI against England in 2015 at Sharjah, aged 19. He removed Alex Hales and Joe Root during the match but did not play another ODI for Pakistan thereafter.