Talented Spinner Reveals Why He Left Pakistan Cricket for England

Pakistani-origin spinner Zafar Gohar has said he never received the opportunities he felt he deserved in Pakistan and is now open to representing England after becoming eligible.

The 31-year-old, who has already played one ODI and one Test for Pakistan, said his strong performances in county cricket and domestic cricket back home were not given the importance he expected.

“I didn’t really get the chances I deserved in Pakistan,” Zafar Gohar said. “I took nearly 50 wickets for Gloucestershire and scored almost 500 runs as well, and when I went back to Pakistan, I got two more five-fors in three games. But after that, one of the selectors said, ‘It doesn’t matter what you do in county cricket. We don’t really recognize those performances.’”

He said that conversation convinced him to look elsewhere for an opportunity.

“That’s when I realized there’s no point. I decided to try something else where I could at least do everything I could to get my chance,” he added.

Zafar Gohar has built a strong red-ball record in county cricket over the past few seasons. After four years with Gloucestershire, where he collected multiple five-wicket hauls, he moved to Middlesex in 2025 after receiving British citizenship.

Since then, he has continued to contribute with both bat and ball, strengthening his case as an all-round spin option. Zafar Gohar said he understands how difficult it can be for a spinner to thrive in English conditions, but believes consistent effort and skill can still bring success.

While he is now eyeing a possible future with England, Gohar’s frustration clearly stems from how his Pakistan career unfolded. His only ODI came in 2015 against England, while his only Test appearance arrived years later against New Zealand in 2021.

He said there was little communication after that Test, despite contributing useful runs from the lower order.

Zafar Gohar also recalled missing out on what could have been his Test debut against England in 2015 due to visa confusion and last-minute travel uncertainty, saying the episode was widely misunderstood.

For now, the left-arm spinner says his immediate focus remains on performing for Middlesex, but made it clear he would be ready if a bigger opportunity comes his way.

“If the chance comes anytime, I’ll be ready,” he said.