Pakistan’s cricket history is filled with stories of talented players seeking international careers elsewhere due to limited opportunities at home. One such player now making headlines is Zafar Gohar, a former Pakistan cricketer who is gaining momentum in English county cricket and is now aiming to play for England.
At 30 years old, the left-arm spinner is currently a standout performer for Middlesex in County Championship Division 2, having already taken 15 wickets in the 2025 season. Gohar’s resurgence in England follows a stalled international career with Pakistan, where he was given limited chances despite showing promise early on.
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Gohar’s turning point came in 2015 when he was called up to the Pakistan Test squad to replace the injured Yasir Shah. However, a miscommunication about his travel arrangements caused him to miss his flight, and ultimately the opportunity. “I waited until late at night for travel details, then was told to rest. I could not wake up in time. The next morning, they blamed everything on me. I was devastated,” he recalled in a recent interview.
Though he went on to make brief appearances for Pakistan—playing an ODI in 2015 and a Test match in 2021—he was never consistently included in the national side. Despite strong performances, including 47 wickets and 500 runs for Gloucestershire in 2022, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continued to overlook him.
Tired of being sidelined, Gohar made a significant decision. With a British passport and no appearances for Pakistan in over three years, he switched allegiance and became eligible to represent England. Inspired by cricketers like Eoin Morgan, who made a successful transition from Ireland to England, Gohar now hopes to follow a similar path.
“I think I’ve just reached my prime, and I feel ready to take on this new challenge,” said Gohar. “I heard England was the toughest place for spinners, but I proved I could succeed here. That gave me confidence.”
Not only a skilled bowler, Gohar is also useful with the bat, adding depth to any side he plays for. If selected, he could become another high-profile player to switch national teams, following in the footsteps of Garry Ballance and Ed Joyce.
For Pakistan, Gohar’s journey serves as a reminder of the persistent issue of talent mismanagement. His success abroad raises tough questions: how many capable players will continue to slip through the cracks?
Regardless of where his career goes next, Zafar Gohar’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and a never-say-die attitude. England might just be the stage where he finally gets the recognition he long deserved.
