Boom! Pace ace Ali heading to Warwickshire

WARWICKSHIRE have added explosive Pakistan international pace bowler Hassan Ali to their bowling attack for next season.

The Bears’ first overseas signing for 2023 has agreed a deal that will see him play the full Vitality Blast campaign, including any potential knockout games, and the LV= Insurance County Championship until the end of July.

The 28-year-old, who has starred for T20 sides around the world and made 131 international appearances, has taken almost 200 T20 wickets.

Ali - who greets dismissals with a trademark “boom” celebration - made his debut in English cricket last season at Lancashire where he achieved cult hero status during a brief red ball contract.

He was the leading wicket taker in Division One of the County

Championship after four weeks and left having taken 25 wickets in five matches at an average of 20.60. Ali, pictured, said: “I’m delighted to sign for Warwickshire as they are an ambitious club and Edgbaston is a ground I’ve always enjoyed playing at. “I hope I can help the team with my experience and contribute to some wins, maybe even a trophy.”

Ali made his Pakistan debut in 2016 before really making his mark on the global stage in his first major tournament - the 2017 Champions Trophy.

He was the leading wicket taker with 13, at an average of 14.69, and named the Player of the Tournament.

First Team Coach Mark Robinson is confident he’ll make a big impact at Edgbaston. He said: “Hassan made a real statement at Lancashire with some match winning performances. It was his first spell in English county cricket but he settled in seamlessly and that experience will undoubtedly help him going into a second season.”