Abdullah Shafique for Pakistan (Source:@CallMeSheri1,x.com)
Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan’s top-order batter and recent signing for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, has had his much-anticipated County Championship debut delayed due to visa-related issues, the club confirmed on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was expected to feature in Yorkshire’s upcoming Championship clash this weekend, but logistical setbacks with his visa processing have prevented his timely arrival in England. As a result, he will not be available for the weekend fixture, Yorkshire stated.
Yorkshire are currently second from bottom in Division One of the County Championship and bottom of the North Group in the T20 Blast.
Abdullah Shafique Short-Term Stint
Shafique signed a short-term deal with Yorkshire to feature in two County Championship matches-against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and at York as well as the county’s final four Vitality T20 Blast group stage games.
Speaking after the announcement of his signing, Shafique had said:
“I’m immensely pleased to be afforded this opportunity with Yorkshire and I’m eager to join up with the team ahead of a big game against Nottinghamshire.”
While his debut has now been pushed back, Yorkshire will remain hopeful that he will join the squad in time for the second Championship fixture and the Blast campaign.
Abdullah Shafique's Career
Shafique has earned a growing reputation with his technical game, and elegant stroke play. He has played 22 Tests for Pakistan and made 1,504 runs at an average of 38.56, including five centuries. He began his Test career with scores of 52 and 73 against Bangladesh.
In the white-ball formats, however, his returns have been moderate. He has featured in 24 ODIs and six T20Is, with a T20 average of 29.36 and a strike rate of 134.43. His most recent showing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was impressive. He scored 390 runs at an average of 32, playing a crucial role for Lahore Qalandars' title-winning campaign, including a crucial 41-run knock in the final.
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