Shoaib Bashir: Derbyshire sign England player from Somerset

Derbyshire cricket boss Mickey Arthur, who has previously coached Australia, South Africa and Pakistan, said the club had “worked hard to get this deal done”.

“Being able to sign a current England international is really exciting,” Arthur told the club website., external

He added: “He will bring great energy and experience to our dressing room, although he has a lot of time to improve his level.”

Bashir became the youngest English men’s bowler to take a five-wicket haul with a score of 5-41 against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in 2024.

But he has found first-team opportunities difficult to come by at Somerset – often behind veteran Jack Leach in the pecking order – and has spent time on loan with Worcestershire and Glamorgan in the past two summers.

Andy Harry, Somerset’s director of cricket, said the club “respected” Bashir’s decision, and added that it had been “a pleasure to see him develop into an international cricketer” during his time with them.

Bashir joins a Derbyshire side that finished third in Division Two last season, and says the club’s quest for promotion was part of its appeal.

He said: “Derbyshire have a really exciting project, and working with Mickey Arthur, one of the best coaches in the world, represents a great opportunity for any young player.”