Fiery Pakistan fast bowler Aamir Jamal has signed for Warwickshire and could be in line to make his debut in English cricket at Edgbaston tomorrow.
Jamal burst onto the international scene last December during Pakistan’s tour of Australia when he claimed six wickets on debut in Perth.
The 27-year-old bagged 18 wickets across the three-Test series and scored 143 runs batting nine, including 82 in the final Sydney Test when he smashed nine 4s and four 6s.
Bears made enquiries over Jamal’s availability following the tour Down Under.
And after securing international clearance he landed in Birmingham this morning (25 April) and is pushing to start against Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship this weekend.
Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen said Jamal has signed both red and white ball terms until at least the end of the Vitality Blast group stage in July.
“He really captured the cricket world’s attention in Australia,” said Larsen. “He took the Aussies on with good pace, bounce, and a combative approach, all attributes you want in a fast bowler.
“Pat Cummins was named Player of the Series but you could have made a very strong argument for Jamal to have been awarded that title. When we found out Aamir was available we did our due diligence and made an offer.
“He’s jumping out of his skin to be on the park on Friday. He was on the same Pakistan training camp with Hassan so we know he’s fit and strong.”
Jamal has played 31 First Class matches, taking 94 wickets (30.25) and scoring 801 runs (21.64) including a best of 82. He’s taken 37 wickets from 37 T20 matches with a batting average of 21.52 (SR 155.17).
His T20 franchise experience includes stints with Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League and Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League.
Speaking after his arrival at Edgbaston he said: “I’m very excited to be joining Warwickshire. The Club has a great history of hosting overseas players from the sub-continent and around the world. I’m proud to be part of that family and will do everything I can to contribute towards the team’s success.
“I can’t wait to get started. I’m really pumped up and eager to deliver.”
Early Bird tickets for Vitality Blast end soon!
Early Bird tickets for this summer’s Vitality Blast will end soon and fans can save up to £5 per ticket in this window.
Tickets start from just £13 for the annual Family Fun Day fixture and £18 for all other games, while under 16s are only £5. But hurry, these prices have to end at midnight on 1 May.
