Pakistani left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar, who made only brief appearances for the national side, is now eligible to represent England.
Zafar Gohar played one Test for Pakistan in 2021 and featured in a single ODI in 2015. Months after his Test debut in New Zealand, he moved to county cricket, joining Gloucestershire on a contract and later settling in the UK.
After completing the required residency period, he now qualifies to switch international allegiance under ICC rules, which allow a player to change teams if they have not represented their previous country in the three years leading into selection.
The 31-year-old, who will be that age by the time England resumes Test cricket against New Zealand in June, said the idea of playing for England had been part of his long-term plan after moving.
He added that his focus is on continuing to perform in county cricket, pointing to his record over the last couple of seasons and stressing that the only thing within his control is sustained hard work and results.
England’s spin resources have been under discussion for some time. Shoaib Bashir emerged as a leading option last year but did not feature in the recent Ashes series, while Jack Leach, now 34, has not played a Test since England’s tour of Pakistan at the end of 2024. Gohar believes his experience as a spinner in English conditions could be valuable if he is given an opportunity.
Reflecting on his time with Pakistan, Gohar said he remains proud to have reached an international level but feels he did not get as many chances as his domestic performances deserved.