Leicestershire’s New All-Format Signing: Shan Masood
Leicestershire Cricket Club has made a significant move by signing Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on an all-format deal for the upcoming 2025 summer season. Masood, a seasoned player with a wealth of experience and a strong batting record, is set to bring his skills to Grace Road, marking the end of his two-year association with Yorkshire.
Masood, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s Test series win against England last year, is scheduled to kick off his stint with Leicestershire in May, following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing Masood’s debut for Leicestershire on May 31, where he will face off against his former county, Derbyshire.
The 35-year-old left-handed opener had previously been with Yorkshire, where he served as captain since 2023. During his time with the club, Masood showcased his prowess by amassing an impressive 1,240 County Championship runs at an average of 53.91 in 15 matches, contributing significantly to Yorkshire’s promotion back to Division One in 2024.
Masood’s journey to Headingley began after a stellar 2022 season with Derbyshire, where he racked up 1,078 first-class runs at an outstanding average of 82.61. One of the standout moments of his time with Derbyshire was his remarkable innings against Leicestershire, where he scored 219 runs in a match that ended in victory. This incredible feat made Masood the first Derbyshire batter to achieve back-to-back double centuries, following his 239-run performance against Sussex the week prior.
Having represented Pakistan in 90 matches across all formats, including 42 Test caps, Masood brings a wealth of international experience to Leicestershire. He joins club captain Peter Handscomb and Netherlands allrounder Logan van Beek as the team’s overseas options for the upcoming season, solidifying the club’s roster for the challenges ahead.
While Masood is expected to be available throughout the season, there is a possibility that he may be called up by the Pakistan Cricket Board for limited-overs matches in the Caribbean starting on July 31. Despite this potential commitment, Masood remains focused on his new role with Leicestershire, expressing his excitement about the opportunity to play all three formats for the club.
“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 shared in a statement released on Tuesday. “The fans get behind the team in strong numbers and the games I have been a part of have always been a great spectacle. It is an exciting time to join the Foxes.”
Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, echoed Masood’s sentiments, highlighting the value of having a player of Masood’s caliber on the team. “His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the team both on and off the pitch,” Henderson remarked, emphasizing the positive impact Masood is expected to have on Leicestershire’s squad.
In signing Shan Masood, Leicestershire Cricket Club has not only bolstered its lineup with a seasoned professional but also secured a player who brings a winning mentality and a wealth of experience to the team. As the 2025 season approaches, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the contributions that Masood will make to his new club, setting the stage for an exciting summer of cricket at Grace Road.
