Mohammad Abbas Signs with Nottinghamshire for Six Matches

Nottingham, Feb 6 (NationPress) Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has officially joined Nottinghamshire for the upcoming 2024 County Championship. Abbas, who has prior experience with Hampshire, will participate in six red-ball matches this season.

His tenure at Nottinghamshire will commence in May, right after the completion of Fergus O’Neill’s month-long engagement with the team. He is set to return in September for the pivotal concluding phases of the County Championship.

The 34-year-old bowler boasts an impressive first-class record, having secured 758 wickets at a remarkable average of 20.66. His proficiency in generating movement in English conditions has established him as one of the most dangerous seamers in county cricket recently.

This transfer to Nottinghamshire follows Abbas's earlier agreement to join the club in 2020, which was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then moved to Hampshire, where he played a significant role in their achievements, amassing 180 wickets at an average of 19.07 over four seasons, including consecutive 50-wicket seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Upon his departure from Hampshire, the club released a statement indicating that the decision was part of a squad restructuring, particularly their need to recruit an overseas batsman after James Vince’s retirement from first-class cricket.

“Mohammad has persistently been one of the top performers in the County Championship and has always delivered his best for Hampshire,” noted Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White. “His presence will be greatly missed both on the field and in the locker room, and we wish him the utmost success in his future endeavors.”

Despite leaving Hampshire, Abbas is enthusiastic about starting his journey with Nottinghamshire and finally playing at Trent Bridge after missing the opportunity in 2020.

“Trent Bridge is a remarkable venue for cricket, and I am excited to make it my home this summer—especially after not being able to join Nottinghamshire five years ago,” Abbas expressed.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in English cricket, and the squad at Nottinghamshire holds great promise. There’s an excellent mix of young talent and experienced players who have a firm grasp of their game, and I look forward to contributing to their success in any way I can.”

Nottinghamshire has been proactive in strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. In addition to Abbas, they have secured Fergus O'Neill (Australia, fast bowler, short-term deal), Kyle Verreynne (South Africa, wicketkeeper-batter, overseas player), Conor McKerr (seamer, three-year contract), and Daniel Sams (all-rounder, for T20 Blast).

Head coach Peter Moores expressed enthusiasm about bringing Abbas into an already formidable bowling unit. “Players of Mo's caliber and experience are rare, and we're genuinely excited about the impact he can make this summer,” Moores stated.

“His precision and knack for taking wickets on any surface make him invaluable; he has certainly been a challenging opponent for us over the years.”