Noman Ali has signed a six-match contract with Lancashire for the remainder of the County Championship season. The move places the 39-year-old spinner in England just as Pakistan prepare for their three-Test series against the hosts, starting in Leeds on August 19.
Noman will not be part of Pakistan’s touring squad initially, but his presence in the country means he can step in if injury strikes their frontline spin options.
Noman’s Road Back Into Pakistan’s Test Setup
Noman made a remarkable return to Pakistan’s Test side during the final two matches of their home series against England in late 2024. He picked up 20 wickets across those two games, a haul that helped Pakistan recover from a 1-0 deficit and close out the series 2-1. His form continued for several months, but he lost his spot in the XI during Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh earlier this year.
Ali Usman, another left-arm orthodox spinner, took his place and has since held onto it. Usman claimed six wickets in Pakistan’s eight-wicket win at Queen’s Park Oval, a result that squared their series against West Indies. He has now been named in the squad travelling to England, alongside offspinner Sajid Khan, leaving Noman as cover rather than a starting option.
Why Lancashire Signed Him For The Run-In
Lancashire currently sit seventh in Division Two of the County Championship, and a run of wins in their remaining six matches could still keep promotion within reach. The club has relied on homegrown spin options this year, including Tom Hartley and Arav Shetty, while Liam Livingstone and Australian import Chris Green each filled in for a pair of games mid-season. None of those arrangements gave Lancashire a frontline overseas spinner, which is where Noman comes in.
Mark Chilton, the club’s director of cricket, called Noman a highly skilful and experienced bowler and said his red-ball record, particularly with Pakistan in recent years, should make a real difference across the final six Championship fixtures.
Noman’s Own Words On Joining Lancashire
Noman said he was looking forward to playing county cricket in England for the first time and described the Championship as a strong competition. He specifically pointed to playing at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground as something he was excited about, given the ground’s history.
He also drew a comparison to Wasim Akram, noting that he was following the same path as a Pakistan legend who spent many years at Lancashire. Noman added that he was eager to join his new teammates and wanted to contribute both on and off the field during his time at the club.
The timing works well for both sides. Lancashire gets an experienced spinner for their promotion push, and Pakistan gets a proven performer stationed nearby during a Test series where conditions could turn in the visitors’ favor.
Whether Noman actually features for Pakistan will depend on how Usman and Sajid perform, but his six-match Lancashire deal ensures he stays match-fit and available through the England series.
For a bowler who has already shown he can deliver against England in home conditions, staying sharp in county cricket gives Pakistan a reliable option if their plans change mid-series.
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