Zafar Gohar, a former Pakistani spinner, is now seen as a possible future player for England after showing great form in County cricket. The 30-year-old is currently one of the best spinners in the ongoing County Championship and plays for Middlesex, having obtained British citizenship.
Zafar was once considered a rising star in Pakistan, but his international career didn’t take off due to bad luck and limited chances. In 2015, he was unexpectedly called to join the Pakistan Test squad as a replacement for the injured Yasir Shah. At the time, he was playing a domestic match in Faisalabad but was told to fly to the UAE at 3 AM. Unfortunately, he was so tired that he overslept and missed the flight.
In a recent interview, Zafar said he had waited late into the night for travel details but was told to rest. The next day, the blame was placed on him, which left him heartbroken.
He only played two more games for Pakistan—an ODI in 2015 and a Test in 2021. Despite doing well in County cricket—taking 47 wickets and scoring 500 runs in 2022—Pakistan selectors told him County success didn’t count for selection.
Feeling ignored, Zafar decided to change direction. Now, with a British passport and no recent matches for Pakistan, he is eligible to represent England. He has already taken 15 wickets in the first four matches of the 2025 County season.
“I feel I’m at my best now and ready for a new challenge,” Zafar said. “People say England is tough for spinners, but I’ve taken wickets here. I know getting picked for England is a big goal, but I enjoy challenges.”
