Imam-ul-Haq Joins Yorkshire as Ruturaj Gaikwad Withdraws; Caleb Jewell to Return to Derbyshire in 2026

Yorkshire County Cricket Club has secured the services of Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq as their overseas player for the remainder of the 2025 season. The left-handed opener replaces India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, who withdrew from his contract with the club due to personal reasons.

Imam, who has represented Pakistan in 24 Tests and 75 ODIs, brings a wealth of international experience to Yorkshire. With three Test centuries and nine in ODIs, he also has prior experience in English county cricket, having played for Somerset in 2022.

He will join the squad immediately for their County Championship clash against Surrey at Scarborough and is set to be available for the club’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign, as well as the final rounds of the Championship season in September.

Yorkshire's general manager of cricket, Gavin Hamilton, expressed his delight at Imam’s swift arrival.

"We're delighted that Imam has joined us and that he will be available immediately," said Hamilton. "Whilst we were naturally disappointed that Ruturaj couldn't join up with the squad, in Imam we have an exceptional player of proven international quality. He’s already familiar with domestic cricket in England, which will be invaluable during this crucial phase of the season."

Imam most recently played a key role in Pakistan Television's triumph in the President’s Cup, the domestic one-day tournament in Pakistan, and was part of the national team’s XI during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy earlier this year in Dubai.

Jewell Signs on for 2026 Derbyshire Return

In other county cricket news, Derbyshire have confirmed that Australia A batter Caleb Jewell will return to the club for the 2026 season, after agreeing to a new contract.

Jewell has been instrumental in Derbyshire's strong campaign in Division Two, where the team is currently placed second and pushing for promotion. The left-hander has amassed 821 runs at an average of 54.73, including a career-best 232 against Kent, making him the fifth-highest run-scorer in the division.

Head of cricket Mickey Arthur praised Jewell’s performance and character:

"Caleb has performed brilliantly in the first half of the season, despite adapting to new conditions. As well as his stellar performances, he brings real grit and determination — the exact qualities you want from an overseas signing."

Jewell also expressed his enthusiasm for continuing with Derbyshire:

"I've loved my time with Derbyshire so far and I'm really happy to have signed for next season already. There’s a great bunch of players here, and I’ve felt welcomed from day one. We’re aiming for a strong finish this season and hopefully promotion to give our fans something special."

With Imam-ul-Haq’s arrival and Jewell’s long-term commitment, both Yorkshire and Derbyshire have made significant moves to bolster their squads for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.