While county cricket is, as yet, an unknown experience for new signing Mohammad Ali, there will be at least one familiar face to ease him in to life at Trent Bridge.
Between 2019 and 2023, Ali represented Central Punjab in his homeland, and in his final season, three years ago, found himself coached by none other than Paul Franks.
In that season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s domestic First-Class competition, Ali finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker overall, returning 24 scalps at 25.54 apiece.
He furthered that by collecting six wickets in five matches, including 2/31 in the final, as Central Punjab lifted the nation’s domestic 50-over trophy, also under Franks’ tutelage.
“He’s been one of the leading domestic bowlers in Pakistan over the last three to four years, and he’s taken a lot of wickets,” said Franks.
“I think his desire to play First-Class cricket in the UK is really strong, and I think he’ll fit into our playing group really, really well.
“He gives us a different skillset to add to those that we’ve already got across our squad, and his white-ball skills are equally as good.
“He’s done very well in the PSL and in the Pakistan Cup, alongside the other tournaments he plays domestically.”
In particular, while Franks is full of praise for Ali’s ability on the field, he believes there is an additional dynamic that he can bring to benefit his new side.
“We saw the impact that Mohammad Abbas had in that group last year, and I think Mohammad Ali has equally as much character and personality,” explained Franks.
“He’s going to add a real layer of quality to our playing group at what’s a crucial time of the year, and I think he’ll be really hungry to succeed.”
It is a force of personality that Franks believes will be entirely reciprocated, predicting a smooth transition into the side.
“We know that the group will welcome him with open arms, as they always do with anybody that joins the club,” he said.
“They’ll see his qualities as a man, and as a player, and they’ll know how good his record’s been over a long period of time.
“He’ll have a real impact on everybody that gets a chance to watch him, and I think people will really enjoy watching him play.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s committed, he loves bowling, and he’s not shy of work.”
Such perseverance will serve Ali well as he arrives in the UK, says Franks, with the schedule as intense as ever during the two months he is set to spend at Trent Bridge.
“I think, if you look at the way the programme is scheduled, from the middle of July until the end of September, there’s lots of cricket to be played,” said Franks.
“We’re going to need lots of options depending on the grounds we go to, and I’m certainly looking forward to having him as part of our squad.
“I think he’s the type of bowler that will bowl really well in England, and I’m looking forward to seeing him pull on a Nottinghamshire shirt.”
*******
