Leicestershire secure Shan Masood on an all-format contract

Leicestershire Sign Pakistan Captain Shan Masood on All-Format Deal for 2025

Leicestershire have secured the signing of Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on an all-format contract for the 2025 summer.

The 35-year-old, who led Pakistan to a Test series victory over England last year, brings a wealth of experience and batting prowess to Grace Road. Masood is set to join the team in May following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League and is expected to make his Leicestershire debut on May 31 against his former county, Derbyshire.

End of Masood’s Yorkshire Stint

This move marks the conclusion of Masood's tenure with Yorkshire, where he served as captain since 2023 under a two-year deal. During his time at Headingley, he was instrumental in Yorkshire's promotion to Division One in 2024, scoring 1,240 County Championship runs at an impressive average of 53.91 across 15 matches.

Masood originally arrived in county cricket with Derbyshire in 2022, where he had a standout season, amassing 1,078 first-class runs at an average of 82.61. During that campaign, he became the first Derbyshire batter to register back-to-back double centuries, scoring 219 against Leicestershire just a week after hitting 239 versus Sussex.

International Experience and Availability

Masood, who has earned 90 international caps for Pakistan across all formats, including 42 Tests, joins Peter Handscomb and Netherlands allrounder Logan van Beek as Leicestershire's overseas signings for the upcoming season. With no Pakistan Test matches scheduled over the English summer, he is expected to be available for the entire campaign unless recalled for the limited-overs tour of the Caribbean, beginning on July 31. His last international white-ball appearance, however, was in May 2023.

Excitement for the New Challenge

Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Masood said in a statement on Tuesday:
"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 over the past few seasons. I love playing at Uptonsteel County Ground—the fans are passionate, and the games I’ve been part of there have always been special. The club has been highly competitive in all formats and has produced some fantastic young players. It’s an exciting time to join the Foxes."

A Key Addition for Leicestershire

Leicestershire's Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, hailed Masood’s signing as a major boost for the squad:
"We are delighted to welcome someone of Shan’s calibre to Leicestershire. He is a proven talent both internationally and in county cricket and has the ability to win matches across all three formats. Shan completes an excellent lineup of overseas additions to our squad, and his leadership and experience will be invaluable both on and off the pitch."

With Masood’s arrival, Leicestershire add further strength to their squad, hoping his presence will elevate their performances in the 2025 season.

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