Overlooked Talent Becomes Only Pakistani Pick in The Hundred 2025

While Pakistan’s centrally contracted stars continue to be overlooked by major franchise leagues, one name has quietly broken through the noise: Zafar Gohar. The left-arm spinner, long out of the national setup, has been signed by Oval Invincibles as a wildcard pick for the 2025 edition of The Hundred, becoming the only Pakistani cricketer to feature in this year’s tournament.

With some of the most high-profile names from the country going unsold, Zafar Gohar’s selection is not just a personal achievement; it’s a subtle indictment of the current system that has left many experienced cricketers on the sidelines.

The 30-year-old earned his call-up after impressing in England’s Vitality Blast this season. Representing Middlesex, he’s taken 11 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 9.00 — solid numbers in a league known for its high-powered batting. His broader T20 résumé includes 85 wickets in 82 matches at a career economy of 7.88. Though not flashy, Gohar is exactly the kind of workhorse spinner that modern sides crave.

His true strength lies in the first-class format, where he has taken 327 wickets in 93 matches, including 21 five-fors and four 10-wicket hauls. Yet despite his consistency, Zafar Gohar has featured in only one Test and one ODI for Pakistan — both back in 2015 and 2021 respectively. His lack of international exposure is not due to a lack of skill but perhaps a lack of visibility in a system that rarely rewards the less glamorous roles.

He himself has been vocal about closing that chapter and remains committed to one day representing England in the future, where he has become a mainstay in their domestic cricket.

Gohar was among several late additions to The Hundred squads, with all men’s wildcard picks signed on £31,000 contracts. Oval Invincibles also added George Scrimshaw alongside the Pakistani spinner.

While the rest of the Pakistani players will have to catch The Hundred from their homes, it is Zafar Gohar who will be representing the green flag in the competition. But for how long is the real question.