Hassan Ali has sent Bears fans a good luck message ahead of the crunch Vitality Blast Quarter Final against Gloucestershire on 6 September.
The popular pace bowler misses the game with an elbow injury but says he’ll be doing the next best thing – joining Bears fans in the crowd to cheer on his teammates.
More than 12,500 tickets have now been sold for the Quarter Final as the Bears look to book a first Finals Day date in seven years.
Ali took 10 wickets in five Blast North Group games, including best of 3/20 in the opening match at Durham to get Bears’ campaign off to the best possible start.
But his second season at Edgbaston – which he affectionately refers to as his “second home” – was cut short with an elbow injury that’s sidelined him in recent weeks.
He’s undergone an operation in the UK in a bid to resolve the problem and will be looked after by Warwickshire’s physio team before returning to Pakistan in the autumn.
In a video message recorded for the Club’s social media channels, he said: “Hey Bears fans, I wanted to wish you lots of luck for the quarter final. I feel it’s our year to reach the Finals Day.
“We’re playing some amazing cricket. So get out there and support the Bears. I hope to be at the game cheering them on and hope to see as many of you as possible at Edgbaston.”
Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen, said: “It’s a real shame Hass’s time with us this summer ended more abruptly than we’d hoped. He’d performed well, was taking plenty of wickets, and was a great option for us in the Blast.
“Our physio team will help Hassan through his immediate post-op rehab before he returns home as part of his longer term rehabilitation.
“We wish Hassan all the best in his recovery and hope to see him back out on the park in the near future.”
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
