Star Pakistan opener replaces Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Yorkshire squad for England's County Championship and One-Day Cup

Ruturaj Gaikwad opted out of the Yorkshire squad for County Championship due to personal reasons.

Yorkshire Cricket Club has named Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad in the County Championship and One-Day Cup.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was all set to make his debut in county cricket as he signed a deal with Yorkshire to play the remaining fixtures in the county championship, followed by the One-Day Cup 2025. However, he pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Hence, Yorkshire has signed Imam-ul-Haq to fill the vacant spot left by the Indian opener.

Imam has played 24 tests and 75 ODIs for Pakistan. The left-handed batsman has scored 5453 runs in 84 games at an average of 43.27 in his first-class career. In 115 List A games, Imam has mustered 4643 runs at an average of 44.21.

We have an exceptional player of proven international quality: Yorkshire owner on Imam-ul-Haq

Yorkshire general manager, Gavin Hamilton, welcomed Imam into their squad for the domestic season. He said that Imam is an exceptional player who is already familiar with England’s county cricket.

“Whilst we were naturally disappointed that Ruturaj couldn’t join up with the squad, in Imam we have an exceptional player of proven international quality. Imam has an impressive record and is already familiar with domestic cricket in this country, which will stand us in good stead for a crucial block of fixtures”, Hamilton said.

“We are grateful for the speed in which he has arrived in the country and everyone at the Club is looking forward to working with him through until the end of the season,” he added.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire will face Surrey in their next match of the County Championship 2025. The encounter will begin on July 22 at North Marine Road Ground, Scarborough.

Yorkshire occupy the eighth spot in the points table out of 10 teams. Out of nine games, they have won two games and lost four matches. Three games ended in a draw. They have 91 points in their kitty.

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