In a significant development for English cricket, Yorkshire leg-spinner Jafer Chohan has been named in the England squad for the upcoming limited-overs tour of the Caribbean. This marks Chohan's first international call-up, a milestone that highlights his rapid rise through the cricketing ranks.
Chohan, 22, is the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) to be selected for an England team. SACA, launched in 2021 by Dr. Tom Brown and former England bowler Kabir Ali, aims to address the under-representation of British South Asian players in professional cricket. The academy has already seen several of its players transition into the professional game, with Chohan being the most recent and notable success story.
Rise to Prominence
Chohan's journey to the England squad has been nothing short of remarkable. After being released by Middlesex at the age of 17, he joined SACA and later trialed with Yorkshire, securing a rookie contract for the 2023 season. His performance in the 2024 Vitality Blast was stellar, taking 17 wickets at an average of 15.52, including a standout performance of 5 for 14 against Durham, which are the third-best figures in Yorkshire's T20 history.
Recently, Yorkshire announced that Chohan had signed a three-year contract to remain at Headingley until the end of the 2027 summer. This commitment from the club underscores their faith in his abilities and potential for future growth.
England's Spin Options
Chohan's inclusion in the England squad is also strategic, given the team's need to explore new spin options. With the international retirement of Moeen Ali, who is also the president of SACA, and Adil Rashid's career entering its 16th year, England is looking to groom successors. Chohan has been mentored by Rashid, both at Yorkshire and at his cricket centre in Bradford, as part of the SACA program.
Chohan expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, stating, 'It feels like an absolute dream to be selected. It's what I've worked for my whole life.' He also highlighted the value of being around top players and the opportunity to learn and improve his game.
Tour Details and Squad Composition
The England squad for the Caribbean tour, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is, will be led by Jos Buttler, who is set to return from a calf injury. The tour begins at the end of October, with the first T20I scheduled for November 9 in Barbados. The squad also includes uncapped players Dan Mousley from Warwickshire and John Turner from Hampshire.
Following the third Test in Rawalpindi, which starts on October 24, two players from the Test squad will join the limited-overs team in the Caribbean. The selection of these players will be determined after the Test match.
Tom Brown, SACA's managing director, praised Chohan's selection, emphasizing that it validates the academy's efforts in nurturing and showcasing talent capable of reaching the highest levels of cricket.
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