Haider, 22, has played 35 white-ball matches for his country, including two matches in the recent ICC T20 World Cup, where Pakistan finished runners-up to England. In 33 T20 matches, he has scored 499 runs, including three half-centuries, one of which came against England at the Emirates Old Trafford in 2020.
Announcing Haider’s signing on Friday, Derbyshire also recognized his red-ball abilities, citing an average of 54.33 in 11 first-class matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries. He will be available in all formats through the 2023 county season, subject to international commitments, and will join Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal as the club’s two overseas signings.
“I spoke to him during the T20 World Cup and again during the Lanka Premier League, and he is very hungry to come to England and prove himself across formats, which is exactly the attitude we want in our dressing room. He still has a lot to do but I have outlined what I expect from him and I have no doubt that Haider will be successful in county cricket.”
Haider said: “I’ve seen over the years how many Pakistani players have improved their game by playing county cricket at a higher level, and I think it can really help my development.
“Mickey Arthur is a respected figure in world cricket and he is still very highly regarded within the Pakistan set-up, so the opportunity to learn from him is one I am very excited about… There are a lot of good players here and Mickey wants to achieve great things with this club. Hopefully I can score a lot of runs in 2023 and entertain the Derbyshire crowds.”
