Shan Masood joins Leicestershire on all-format deal for 2025

Leicestershire have signed Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on an all-format deal for the 2025 summer season. The 35-year-old, who led Pakistan to a Test series win against England last year, will bring a wealth of experience and batting prowess to Grace Road.

Masood is set to begin his stint in May, after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League, with his Leicestershire debut scheduled for May 31 against his former county, Derbyshire. 

This move marks the end of Masood's association with Yorkshire, following the conclusion of a two-year deal. During his time at Yorkshire, he captained the club from 2023, amassing 1,240 runs in the County Championship at an average of 53.91 in 15 matches. His efforts played a key role in helping Yorkshire earn promotion back to Division One in 2024.

Masood originally joined Yorkshire after a standout 2022 season with Derbyshire, where he scored 1,078 first-class runs at an impressive average of 82.61. During that season, he made headlines in April by scoring 219 runs against Leicestershire in an innings victory, becoming the first Derbyshire batter to score back-to-back double centuries after making 239 runs against Sussex the week before.

Masood has represented Pakistan 90 times across all formats, including 42 Test caps. He joins club captain Peter Handscomb and Netherlands allrounder Logan van Beek as Leicestershire's overseas players for the upcoming season. Masood is expected to be available for the entire season, as there are no Test matches scheduled for Pakistan during the English summer. However, that could change if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to recall him for the limited-overs series in the Caribbean starting on July 31. His last international white-ball appearance was in May 2023.

"I am really excited to have the chance to play all three formats for Leicestershire. I have always admired the club and have had great conversations with a lot of the team during the last three seasons," Masood said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"I love playing at Uptonsteel County Ground. The fans get behind the team in strong numbers and the games I have been a part of have always been a great spectacle. The club has been very competitive in all formats and produced some fantastic young players over the last few years. It is an exciting time to join the Foxes," statement added. 

Leicestershire's Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing. 

"We are delighted to welcome someone of Shan's calibre to Leicestershire. He is a proven talent both internationally and in county cricket, and someone who can win matches in all three formats," he said. 

"Shan completes a fantastic line-up of overseas additions to our squad. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the team both on and off the pitch," he concluded.