Shoaib Bashir is making a bold move to Division Two. After Somerset let him go last month, the 22-year-old off-spinner has agreed terms with Derbyshire for a two-year deal, set to be finalised soon. It’s a fresh start for Bashir, England’s go-to spinner who’s been without a county home since November 1, despite the ECB covering his wages as a centrally contracted player.

Shoaib Bashir’s Journey In County Cricket

Shoaib Bashir’s journey hasn’t been smooth in county cricket. He burst onto the scene with his red-ball debut for Somerset in 2023, but chances were scarce thanks to Jack Leach holding the fort. In 10 matches for the club, he grabbed just 14 wickets, with his last outing in 2024. To get game time, he went on loan last year first to Worcestershire, where he played five Blast games and one Championship match against Surrey, snaring two wickets.

Earlier this year, he linked up with Glamorgan for three games, standing in for the injured Mason Crane and picking up two more wickets in five innings. Overall, his County Championship stats show 18 wickets at an average of 84, not the fireworks we’ve seen in Tests.

Where Is Shoaib Bashir Now?

Right now, Shoaib Bashir is with England for the Ashes, but he hasn’t played in the first three Tests. This Derbyshire switch ends an odd situation where the nation’s top spinner had no county base among the 18 first-class sides. Division Two might just be the perfect playground for him to rebuild rhythm and bag wickets regularly.

Derbyshire, aiming to climb back up, get a proven international talent who’s already played 19 Tests since his 2024 India debut, claiming 68 wickets at 39. Could this spark a red-hot county resurgence? Stay tuned, 2026 could be his breakout year in counties.

Also read: Worcestershire Signs South African All-Rounder Beyers Swanepoel

As we gear up for the 2026 Championship, there’s plenty of excitement around the County Cricket ins and outs, aka new signings, departures, and overseas arrivals, shaking up the English domestic cricket scene. Each county team is gearing up with fresh talent and some departures that will surely impact their campaign next season. Let’s look at these County Cricket ins and outs for counties ahead of the 2026 season.

County Cricket Ins And Outs For 2026 Championship

Ins And Outs: DERBYSHIRE

Ins: Matt Montgomery (Nottinghamshire)

Outs: David Lloyd (retired), Alex Thomson (released)

Overseas players: Caleb Jewell (Australia)

Ins And Outs: DURHAM

Ins: Kasey Aldridge (Somerset), Archie Bailey (Gloucestershire)

Outs: Mitchell Killeen (Essex), Paul Coughlin (Lancashire)

Ins And Outs: ESSEX

Ins: Zaman Akhter (Gloucestershire), Mitchell Killeen (Durham)

Outs: Nick Browne (retired), Adam Rossington, Jamal Richards (both released)

Ins And Outs: GLAMORGAN

Ins: Sean Dickson (Somerset)

Outs: Sam Northeast (Kent), Tom Bevan (released)

Ins And Outs: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Ins: Craig Miles (Warwickshire), Will Williams (Lancashire)

Outs: Archie Bailey (Durham), Ajeet Singh Dale (Lancashire), Zaman Akhter (Essex), Dom Goodman, Tom Price (both Sussex), Josh Shaw (Somerset)

Overseas players: Cameron Bancroft (Australia), D’Arcy Short (Australia – Vitality Blast)

Ins And Outs: HAMPSHIRE

Outs: Keith Barker (Warwickshire), Benny Howell (Nottinghamshire)

Overseas players: Kyle Abbott (South Africa)

Ins And Outs: KENT

Ins: Matt Milnes (Yorkshire), Sam Northeast (Glamorgan)

Outs: Nathan Gilchrist (Warwickshire), Jack Leaning (Sussex), Marcus O’Riordan, Mohammed Rizvi (both released), George Garrett (retired)

Overseas players: Keith Dudgeon (South Africa)

Ins And Outs: LANCASHIRE

Ins: Ajeet Singh Dale (Gloucestershire), Paul Coughlin (Durham)

Outs: Will Williams (Gloucestershire), Josh Boyden (released)

Overseas players: Marcus Harris (Australia)

Ins And Outs: LEICESTERSHIRE

Ins: Ben Green, Josh Davey (both Somerset), Stephen Ezkinazi (Middlesex), Jonny Tattersall (Yorkshire)

Outs: Louis Kimber (Northamptonshire), Matt Salisbury, Roman Walker (both released), Chris Wright (retired)

Overseas players: Peter Handscomb (Australia), Keshav Maharaj (South Africa, first four months of the season)

Ins And Outs: MIDDLESEX

Outs: Stephen Eskinazi (Leicestershire)

Overseas players:

Ins And Outs: NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Ins: Louis Kimber (Leicestershire), Calvin Harrison (Nottinghamshire)

Outs: Freddie Heldreich (released)

Overseas players: Matthew Breetzke (South Africa), Nathan McSweeney (Australia), Yuzvendra Chahal (India, second half of the season), Harry Conway (Australia, first two months of the season)

Ins And Outs: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Ins: Benny Howell (Hampshire, Vitality Blast contract)

Outs: Matt Montgomery (Derbyshire), Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire), Sammy King, Dane Schadendorf (both released)

Overseas players: Kyle Verreynne (South Africa – County Championship only), Fergus O’Neill (Australia – April-June)

Ins And Outs: SOMERSET

Ins: Josh Shaw (Gloucestershire)

Outs: Kasey Aldridge (Durham), Sean Dickson (Glamorgan), Josh Davey, Ben Green (both Leicestershire), Andy Umeed (released)

Overseas players: Migael Pretorius (South Africa)

Ins And Outs: SUSSEX

Ins: Danny Briggs (Warwickshire), Dom Goodman, Tom Price (both Gloucestershire), Jack Leaning (Kent)

Ins And Outs: WARWICKSHIRE / BIRMINGHAM BEARS

Ins: Jordan Thompson (Yorkshire), Nathan Gilchrist (Kent), Keith Barker (Hampshire)

Outs: Moeen Ali (retired from county cricket), Danny Briggs (Sussex), Craig Miles (Gloucestershire)

Overseas players: Beau Webster (Australia, for first half of the season)

Ins And Outs: WORCESTERSHIRE

Outs: Tom Hinley, Yadvinder Singh (both released)

Overseas players: Usama Mir (Pakistan)

Ins And Outs: YORKSHIRE

Outs: Jonny Tattersall (Leicestershire), Jordan Thompson (Warwickshire), Matt Milnes (Kent)

Also read: Jonny Bairstow Extends His Contract With Yorkshire Until 2028 End

Jonny Bairstow, the beloved Yorkshire captain and one of the most exciting wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket, has just made a big announcement. He’s extended his contract with Yorkshire until the end of 2028! For a player who has grown through the ranks and spent his entire career with this iconic county, this move will excite fans across England and beyond.

Jonny Bairstow: Yorkshire’s Proud Captain

Jonny Bairstow is no ordinary cricketer. He’s got the skills, the fierce determination, and the leadership qualities that make him stand out. Over the years, he’s not only dazzled on the pitch but has also led Yorkshire with passion and pride. Being the heart of the team, keeping wickets, scoring crucial runs, and motivating his teammates, he has become more than just a player; he’s the face of Yorkshire cricket.

This extension isn’t just a contract; it’s a statement. Bairstow has made it clear where his loyalty lies, and that is with Yorkshire. Having started his cricket journey in Yorkshire’s age-group teams, he knows the culture deeply, and staying until 2028 means he’s ready to keep building the team’s future. Fans can breathe easy knowing that this star won’t be leaving anytime soon.

It’s also great news for Yorkshire because Jonny Bairstow brings experience and excitement to the team. Plus, as captain, his calm and collected leadership boosts the team’s performance even when the pressure is on.

Jonny Bairstow’s Journey With Yorkshire

Jonny Bairstow’s journey with Yorkshire has been remarkable. From his early days to becoming England’s star international player, he’s always carried the Yorkshire spirit with him. He’s played for England in Tests, ODIs, and T20S, but Yorkshire has always been his home base, and this contract extension confirms his commitment to the club’s success.

This new deal also comes as Yorkshire aims to climb higher in county cricket competitions. With Bairstow at the helm, the team hopes to regain dominance and win more titles. His presence encourages young players coming up through the system, inspiring them to work hard and dream big.

Also read: Hampshire County Cricket Club Signs Tilak Varma For A Short Stint

The never-ending thrill of the cricket world just got better with the headline-grabbing news of Ruturaj Gaikwad bagging a maiden county cricket deal with Yorkshire. The CSK captain’s journey got even cooler than it already is as he went and sealed a deal with Yorkshire, one of England’s most iconic county cricket clubs.

If that isn’t news to get the pulse racing for every Indian cricket fan, then what is? But then came the moment of disappointment as the news broke out that he had backed out of the deal. So, why did he let go of this opportunity? Let’s find out.

“Always Been A Goal,, Says Ruturaj Gaikwad

It all began with Yorkshire’s announcement that their batting would be getting a heavy dose of Indian brilliance. And for Ruturaj Gaikwad, this was a dream moment. The CSK captain himself said, “I’m excited to be joining up with Yorkshire for the rest of the English domestic season,” Gaikwad said after signing. “It has always been a goal of mine to experience cricket in this country, and there is no bigger Club in England than Yorkshire. I know how important it is that I hit the ground running at what will be a crucial part of the season. We have some vital games in the County Championship, and the One Day Cup is a great opportunity to win some silverware.”

So, What Went Wrong?

Ruturaj Gaikwad is supposed to pack his kit and arrive just in time for their high-voltage County Championship fixture against Surrey, with plenty of games in the One-Day Cup lined up through the rest of the season.​ But even before he landed in England, Gaikwad had cricket fans talking. Known not just for his classical strokes but also his cool-headed captaincy in the IPL, the 28-year-old was making headlines for the right reasons.

But the sport, much like life, knows a twist or two. Just when anticipation reached a fever pitch, news broke that Ruturaj Gaikwad would have to back out of the deal due to a personal issue back home. Yorkshire, disappointed but supportive, confirmed that he wouldn’t be joining them after all. The timing was brutal; he was set to debut against Surrey in the heart of the season, and his absence meant Yorkshire had to scramble for alternatives.​

For fans, it’s a letdown, sure. But Ruturaj Gaikwad’s England ambitions aren’t gone, just delayed. After an elbow injury kept him out of action for months, this was supposed to be his return to competitive cricket. The fact that Yorkshire trusted him to deliver in crunch moments speaks volumes about how highly he’s rated among international circles.​ So here’s hoping that the next chapter in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s county cricket dream comes sooner rather than later.

Also read: Kookaburra Experiment: A Success Or A Failure?

Hold onto your cricket caps, folks, Yuzvendra Chahal is back! The masterful leg-spinner has confirmed his return to Northamptonshire for the 2026 season, marking his third consecutive summer with the English county side.

And yes, this comeback is not just about taking wickets; it’s also about bringing some serious spin wisdom to the young guns hungry for guidance.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s Stint With Northamptonshire

Yuzvendra Chahal’s stint with Northamptonshire will kick off in the second half of the 2026 season, where he’ll be seen unleashing his magic both in the County Championship and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

The man who’s already taken 44 first-class wickets and seven List A wickets at Wantage Road is upping his game this time around, adding mentorship to his role, helping nurture promising spinners like Nirvan Ramesh and Stuart van der Merwe. Talk about carrying the torch while still being a wicket-taking machine!

Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann is absolutely buzzing about Yuzvendra Chahal’s return. He called Yuzi “a magnificent asset to the squad,” bringing loads of class, experience, and spin wizardry to the team. Lehmann isn’t just excited about Chahal’s impact on the pitch; he’s equally pumped about the mentorship Chahal provides to the up-and-coming talent. That experience? Priceless.

Now, Yuzvendra Chahal’s 2025 at Northants was cut short due to some personal reasons, but his love for the club and the county circuit never faded. “I’m so excited to be back,” Chahal said, and it shows. At 35, there’s still plenty of cricket left in the tank for this spinner who has been a key bowler for India in white-ball cricket with over 200 wickets under his belt.

That’s your fast take on Chahal’s much-anticipated comeback, a story of cricket, passion, and the joy of mentoring the next generation. Stay tuned; 2026 is going to be spinner heaven at Wantage Road!

Also read: Remembering Dickie Bird: The Umpire Who Changed The Game Forever

The County Championship 2025, celebrating its 125th edition, has already delivered high-quality cricket, passionate regional rivalries, and emerging talents vying for places in England’s national teams. With 18 counties battling across two divisions since April, fans have relished weeks of gripping red-ball action. However, followers may have noticed a sudden halt in fixtures and are eager to know why play has been paused, when it will start again, and where their teams stand.

Why Is The County Championship 2025 Paused?

The pause in the County Championship 2025 is not unexpected; it’s a feature of the modern English domestic season. The structure, largely unchanged from previous years, divides the summer into distinct windows for different competitions.

After the first eight rounds of the County Championship 2025 (April to late May/early June), the schedule shifts to accommodate the T20 Vitality Blast, One-Day Cup matches, and The Hundred in mid-summer. This pause is principally designed to:

• Maximize exposure and player availability for limited-overs tournaments, which are critical for revenue.
• Provide much-needed rest and rotation for players during an increasingly congested calendar (an ongoing player welfare concern).
• Prevent competition clashes that would dilute the public and broadcaster attention on both the red-ball and white-ball formats.

This approach, while normalizing a “red-ball window,” sometimes draws criticism for disrupting championship momentum, but it reflects the priorities and commercial realities of the domestic game.

When Will the County Championship 2025 Resume?

After pausing during June and early July, the County Championship 2025 is set to resume on July 22, 2025, with the next full round of matches. The final block of fixtures will then be played steadily through to the conclusion of the season on September 27, 2025. This scheduling allows counties to finish their red-ball campaigns with momentum and gives fans a high-stakes conclusion to the title race and promotion/relegation battles.

County Championship 2025 (as of early July 2025)

Division One

Nottinghamshire lead a tight Division One table with Surrey in hot pursuit, aiming for their fourth consecutive title. Teams in the middle remain close on points, making the post-pause rounds crucial.

Division Two 

Leicestershire currently top Division Two, well-placed for a promotion push, but with several teams still in contention for the top spots.

Also Read: Surrey Smash 126-Year Record With A Historic 820/9d

Indian star Ishan Kishan, who was ignored in the India squad for the England Test Series 2025, has made a remarkable debut at the County Championship 2025. Nottinghamshire signed on a short-term contract to make up for Kyle Verreynne’s absence as he is away for international duty. His aggressive batting against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge on 23 June 2026 turned heads as he made his remarkable debut for county cricket.

Ishan Kishan’s Dream Debut At County Championship

Ishan Kishan came at number six and scored 87 runs off 98 balls, with 12 fours and a six. This resulted in a strike rate close to 89, marking a dream debut for Kishan. His innings were marked by fearless stroke play, which helped stabilise and boost the team’s total to overcome 450 runs.

Ishan Kishan’s dream debut eventually ended by England spinner Dom Bess, and he narrowly missed a century. However, it doesn’t overshadow the outstanding performance he gave yesterday.

Out Of The Indian Squad Since…

Before his county stint, Ishan Kishan had been out of the Indian team since December 2023, after he decided to opt out for the South Africa Test Series. Although he has played only two Tests for India with a fifty to his name, Kishan is known for his attacking skills in limited-overs cricket. He boasts an ODI average over 42 with a double century and nearly 800 T20I runs at a strike rate of 124. His recent IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad was productive, scoring 354 runs at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate above 152, including a century.

Future Hopes For Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan’s strong start in England comes at a great time as he aims to stay in the selectors’ frame for future India matches, having recently reclaimed a BCCI central contract in the C-grade bracket.

Also read:  Tilak Varma Signs with Hampshire for County Championship Stint

Hampshire County Cricket Club has officially announced that Indian batting sensation Tilak Varma will be joining the team on a short-term deal. The 22-year-old left-hander from Hyderabad will be available to the club’s next four matches, beginning from 22 June. His stint will last until 1 August 2025.

Tilak Varma: The Indian Batting Sensation

Tilak Varma has made a name for himself. He brings significant international and domestic experience to the team. He has represented India in 29 matches, including 25 T20Is, where he scored 749 runs at an amazing average of 49.93, which is the highest for any ICC full-member nation and second overall. His records include two centuries, both against South Africa in November 2024. He also scored three half-centuries.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Varma has been a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise in 2022. He has scored just under 1500 runs in 54 matches, with eight half-centuries.

He has played 18 first-class matches, scoring over 1200 runs, including five centuries and four fifties. He also featured for India A in the Duleep Trophy.

Giles White On Varma’s Inclusion

Giles White, Director of Cricket, said, “It’s fantastic to have Tilak available for the next four County Championship matches. He’s an exciting talent who has already made a big impact on the international stage and in the IPL, and we look forward to seeing what he can do for Hampshire this summer.”

Hampshire is currently sitting in seventh position in Division One after finishing as runners-up last season. Tilak Varma’s inclusion is expected to boost their campaign as they look to climb up the ranks. His first appearance will be against Essex, followed by a home debut at the Ageas Bowl against Worcestershire from 29 June to 2 July 2025.

Also Read: Worcestershire Signs Khurram Shahzad As Jacob Duffy Bids Farewell To The Club

Mumbai Indians went to the top of the WPL table following an all-round display by Nat Sciver-Brunt, who led her team to an eight-wicket win over UP Warriorz in Bengaluru. The victory, their third in four games, was achieved with 18 balls to spare as Sciver-Brunt impressed with both bat and ball.

Sciver-Brunt’s Dominance Fuels Mumbai’s Ascent

Nat Sciver-Brunt gave a phenomenal all-around display, initially claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs and then complementing it with an unbeaten 75 off 44 balls to lead Mumbai to victory.

Having held UP Warriorz to a sub-par score of 142/9, Mumbai comfortably chased down the score, reaching 143/2 off 16.4 overs.

Warriorz’s Blazing Start Not Enough

The Warriors started well, courtesy of Grace Harris’ 45 off 29 balls and Vrinda Dinesh’s unflappable 33 off 30 balls. The two added a good 79-run stand for the second wicket, but all their good work was undone as Warriorz dramatically collapsed in the middle overs.

From a comfortable 81/1, they lost 8 wickets for a mere 54 runs, failing to get close to a competitive score.

Sciver-Brunt’s Blazing Innings

Pursuing a small target, Mumbai was struggling at 6/1, but Sciver-Brunt came to the crease to steady the innings. Even as Hayley Matthews struggled in the early stages, Sciver-Brunt asserted herself.

She sent the Warriorz bowlers into tatters with a string of boundaries. She reached her half-century in 29 balls, including a hat-trick of fours against Chinelle Henry. Her 13 boundaries during a 44-ball innings eased Mumbai to their third victory of the season.

Matthews’ Steady Support

While Sciver-Brunt ruled the show with the bat, Matthews played a stabilizing role at the other end. Although dropped at the beginning of her innings, Matthews worked herself into her stride, adding a vital 59 off 50 balls.

The two together shared an unbeaten 133-run partnership for the second wicket, ensuring that Mumbai reached the target quite comfortably.

Harris’ Promotion Pays Off for Warriorz

UP Warriorz brought in a tactical shift by elevating Grace Harris to bat at the top of the innings, and it proved to be a good move as she was in fine touch from the word go.

Harris took the game to the Mumbai bowlers, especially having a field day against Shabnim Ismail and Hayley Matthews, driving boundaries with ease. Vrinda played the perfect second fiddle, playing elegant drives and finding boundaries with ease.

Middle-Overs Collapse

Despite the encouraging beginning, the Warriorz were thwarted by the same old problem: their weakness in the middle overs. Once they had 81/1, the Warriorz folded at 123/7 in 30 runs. The key wickets were lost in the middle overs, with Amelia Kerr removing Harris in the 10th over.

Sanskriti Gupta then changed the complexion of the game by knocking over Vrinda and Tahlia McGrath in quick succession in the 11th over. With their momentum fully halted, the Warriorz never regained their footing.

Struggles in the Middle Overs

The Warriorz have struggled throughout the middle part of their innings in the WPL. They have lost the most wickets (24) in overs 7 to 16 in the tournament and have also been the slowest to score (6.72) in this period. Despite the initial spark by Harris and Vrinda, the absence of a strong middle-order base resulted in another lackluster collapse.

Sciver-Brunt’s Pioneering Role in the WPL

With 252 runs in four matches, Sciver-Brunt has emerged as the leading run-scorer in this year’s WPL, surpassing Ellyse Perry’s tally of 235. Her all-around dominance was the highlight of the match, and she continues to lead Mumbai’s charge towards the top of the table.

While Mumbai Indians have been in their prime, UP Warriorz will have to sort out their middle-order collapse and adopt a more stable game if they are going to challenge for the championship. Mumbai’s thumping victory, led by the brilliance of Sciver-Brunt, puts them in a strong position in the WPL points table.

ALSO READ: DCW vs MIW: Last Ball Thriller Victory Grabbed By DC In WPL 2025