Former Pakistani Cricketer Zafar Gohar Eyes Playing for England

Former Pakistani left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar, who had limited opportunities in the national team, is now eligible to represent England in international cricket.

According to ICC rules, a player can switch countries if they have not represented their previous national team in the last three years—a condition Gohar fulfills.

Gohar played only one Test and one One-Day International (ODI) for Pakistan, featuring in the ODI in 2015 and the Test against New Zealand in 2021. Shortly after his Test debut, he moved to England to play county cricket, signing with Gloucestershire, where he later settled permanently.

The 31-year-old spinner revealed that the idea of playing for England has been on his mind since moving to the country. He emphasized that his focus remains on performing consistently in county cricket, believing that hard work and results are what he can control.

England’s spin-bowling resources have been under discussion for some time. Shaib Bashir emerged as a potential option last year but did not get a chance in the recent Ashes series, while veteran spinner Jack Leach, 34, has not played a Test since England’s Pakistan tour in late 2024.

Gohar believes his experience as a spinner in English conditions could benefit England if given the opportunity. Reflecting on his brief career with Pakistan, he expressed pride in reaching the national level but regret that he did not receive more chances to play according to his domestic performance.