Daijiworld Media Network - Leeds
Leeds, Jul 22: Indian left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has signed with English county club Yorkshire as an overseas player for the remainder of the domestic season, the club announced on Wednesday.
Under the agreement, Kuldeep will represent Yorkshire in five One-Day Cup matches before returning later in the season to feature in three of the team's final four County Championship fixtures in September. His first appearance is scheduled for Friday's 50-over clash against Glamorgan at Neath.
The move comes shortly after India's 2-1 ODI series loss to England, where Kuldeep was included in the squad but did not feature in any of the three matches, a decision that surprised many cricket observers.
Expressing his excitement about the new challenge, Kuldeep said he was honoured to join one of England's most historic county clubs.
"I'm delighted to be joining Yorkshire and thankful for this opportunity. Representing a club with such a rich tradition is a privilege. I've always enjoyed playing in English conditions, and after speaking with the management, I was excited about becoming part of the squad. I look forward to contributing positively during my time at Headingley," he said in a statement released by the club.
Kuldeep brings an impressive international record to Yorkshire. In Test cricket, he has claimed 79 wickets in 18 matches at an outstanding average of 22, including a memorable 19-wicket performance during India's five-Test home series against England in 2024. In the ODI format, he has taken 194 wickets, with career-best figures of 6 for 25.
Yorkshire's General Manager of Cricket, Gavin Hamilton, welcomed the signing, saying Kuldeep's experience and unique bowling style would significantly strengthen the team's attack during the crucial final phase of the season.
"Kuldeep is a proven international performer who adds tremendous quality to our squad. Given the dry conditions we've experienced this summer, spin is expected to play a major role in the closing stages of the campaign. His left-arm wrist spin offers us a different dimension, and his experience at the highest level will be invaluable. We are delighted to have him with Yorkshire," Hamilton said.
Kuldeep joins a growing list of Indian cricketers featuring in England's county circuit this season. Yuzvendra Chahal is representing Northamptonshire, Jaydev Unadkat is with Sussex, Manav Suthar has signed for Warwickshire, R. Sai Kishore is playing for Gloucestershire, while Ashutosh Sharma is part of Hampshire's squad.