Pakistan pace bowler Hassan Ali will return to Edgbaston for a third straight season after agreeing a new deal with Warwickshire.
Hassan – an experienced international with more than 140 caps for his country – has put pen to paper on a contract that makes him available for all formats in 2025.
The contract runs from 29 May – which means he’ll be available for the start of Bears’ Blast campaign – until the end of September.
The 30-year-old has established himself as a Bears favourite with his passionate, all action performances during two summers at the Club.
The right-arm quick took 33 wickets – 24 in the County Championship and nine in the Vitality Blast – in his first year at Edgbaston.
And he bagged 10 wickets in Bears’ first five T20 games last season – including a Player of the Match 3/20 in the opening game at Durham – before an elbow injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
Ali is now back firing on all cylinders following an operation and rehab involving both Warwickshire and Pakistan’s medical teams.
“I said last year that Edgbaston felt like a second home to me…but it’s becoming more like a first home now,” joked Ali, who has 318 First Class wickets from 83 matches.
“I love playing for Warwickshire, playing for the Bears fans. And I hope they see by the way I play how much I want to win for this Club.
“Being awarded my White Bear Cap in 2023 was among the proudest moments in my career and I want to make lots more special memories with the Bears next season.
“Last year was unlucky with the injury. I felt I was bowling well and taking plenty of wickets in the Blast.
“But I’m back bowling 100 per cent in training and focused on joining up with Warwickshire next season.”
Ali was restricted to just three County Championship games for Warwickshire last season after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors made him a late, surprise call-up for their May tour of Ireland.
However, Ali is not on the PCB’s central contract list in 2025 and Warwickshire First Team Coach Mark Robinson said the Club has been given assurances over his availability.
He said: “His call-up last May came out of the blue and took Hassan away from our County Championship start. We’ve had reassurances this year from the PCB that Hassan will be able to focus on the Bears which is great news.
“Obviously the contract comes with the caveat that Hassan continues making good progress on his post-op rehab and arrives to us fully fit.
“Hassan is a heart-on-the-sleeve performer who always gives his all to the cause. He’s a proven wicket taker at the highest level and was flying with us last season before the injury.
“He brings a real energy to the place, the dressing room and on the pitch and inspires everyone around him with his enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to welcoming him back into the Bears fold.”
Watch Hassan Ali in action at Edgbaston next season with Membership, including a Blast Pass which covers all home Vitality Blast games (men and women) for just £90 if purchased before 1 February – that’s just £6 per game.
2025 Membership: Early Bird ends this month!
It’s an historic year for the Club in 2025, as Bears Men and Women will compete side-by-side. Bears together.
Join the journey with Early Bird Memberships available before 1 February, including 1882 Full Club (all domestic cricket), our new B5 White Ball (T20, 50-Over and The Hundred) and Junior Bears (U16s).
