Lancashire sign Pakistan spinner Noman Ali for six matches of the County Championship

Manchester, Aug 6 (IANS) Lancashire have signed Pakistan’s experienced spinner Noman Ali for the last six matches of the County Championship at the Old Trafford Stadium as they look to move up in the division before the season comes to an end.

Since making his Test debut in 2021, he has taken over 100 wickets at an average of around 25, including a career-best 8 for 46 against England, and became the first Pakistan spinner to take a Test hat-trick, achieving the feat against West Indies in 2025.

Last October, Ali was ranked No. 2 in the ICC Men’s Test bowling rankings after his ten-wicket haul in the first Test against South Africa in Lahore.

Noman is expected to make his debut for Lancashire as they take on Northamptonshire in the County Championship, starting on Thursday 20 August. The game is also the Club’s Red Ball Celebration fixture at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

“I am looking forward to playing for Lancashire and experiencing county cricket in England for the first time. The County Championship is a great competition, and I’m very excited to play at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Lancashire is one of the biggest clubs in the UK, with so much history and heritage. I am following in the footsteps of a Pakistan hero, Wasim Akram, who played for Lancashire for many years,” Noman said in an official statement.

“I’m looking forward to joining up with my new teammates and will be doing all I can to make an impact on and off the field,” he added.

Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket, said: “Noman is a hugely skilful and experienced spin bowler, and we’re delighted to bring him to Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground for the County Championship run-in.

“His record speaks for itself with the red ball – particularly for Pakistan over the last couple of years – and we believe his experience and know-how will make a real difference to us in these final six Championship games.”

Lancashire sit seventh in Division Two of the Championship, though retain an outside chance of promotion if they can string together a series of wins in their final six fixtures.

–IANS

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