Mohammad Abbas’ Nottinghamshire deal called-off

Mohammad Abbas’ Nottinghamshire deal called-off: The Pakistani seamer won’t be turning up in county cricket this year.

Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas has jumped on the bandwagon with respect to overseas cricketers whose 2020 County Championship contracts have been terminated in the wake of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

Abbas, 30, was signed by Nottinghamshire for this season and was expected to play as many as nine first-class matches in addition to featuring in the Pakistani team for their tour of England.

Although Abbas has been named in Pakistan’s 29-member squad, the right-arm bowler wouldn’t get to play county cricket as no start date of the tournament has been confirmed till now due to the threat caused by the global crisis.

While England will resume international cricket under special conditions from July 8, the future of this year’s county season remains uncertain.

Mohammad Abbas’ Nottinghamshire deal called-off

Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell hoped for Abbas to play Test cricket against England and revealed that the club will be watching him with interest.

“We hope that circumstances will allow Mohammad to play some Test cricket in England this summer for Pakistan, and will certainly be watching with interest,” Newell said.

Having picked 33 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 24.66 in the last two years, Abbas is Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker among pacers. Known for his ability to swing the ball, Abbas is likely to thrive in the English conditions. Newell further hinted at resigning Abbas for next year’s county season.

“His ability, nous and experience have made him a threatening proposition in English conditions, and whilst it’s impossible for him to link up with us this year, we’re certainly not closing the door on welcoming him to Trent Bridge in the future,” Newell added.