Jafer Chohan, the 22-year-old Yorkshire legspinner, has been recalled from England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming Lions tour of South Africa. Chohan made history last month as the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) to be named in an England squad.
Chohan’s opportunity with Yorkshire arose after he was released by Middlesex as a 17-year-old in 2019. He has since flourished under the guidance of Adil Rashid, his mentor at Yorkshire. Chohan’s fast-tracking into the England set-up is a testament to his talent and the progress he has made in recent years.
However, the England management has decided to prioritize Chohan’s long-term development by sending him home before he has a chance to make his international debut. The team has a wealth of spin options available, including Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Dan Mousley, and Will Jacks.
Chohan’s release from the England squad is also a reflection of the team’s current success in T20Is. England has taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against the West Indies, with Chohan playing a supporting role in the nets.
Despite not making his international debut on this tour, Chohan’s inclusion in the England squad is a significant milestone for British South Asian cricketers. The SACA, launched in 2021, aims to address the under-representation of South Asian players in the professional game. Chohan’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers from all backgrounds.
In addition to the Lions tour, Chohan is also set to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, which commences on December 15. His release from the England squad will allow him to focus on these upcoming commitments and continue his development as a legspinner.
