Nottinghamshire extend Mohammad Ali's deal, include him in Vitality Blast squad

Nottinghamshire Outlaws have extended Pakistan international Mohammad Ali’s deal, which will see him compete in the 2026 Vitality Blast for the entire season. The current County Championship holders kickstart their T20 campaign against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge on Friday, May 22. 

Ali was originally signed by Nottinghamshire for August and September and would have formed part of their One Day Cup and County Championship squads. However, the new deal will see the 33-year-old also play in the Vitality Blast. 

The Pakistan bowler comes in as a direct replacement for Australia’s Peter Siddle. The 41-year-old was banned from playing the T20 Blast tournament after taking part in a disapproved veterans league in India. 

"I am really pleased to get the opportunity to come to Trent Bridge earlier than expected, and I am really looking forward to the Vitality Blast. I was already really excited about the chance to come and play in England, so when I was told there was a chance to come earlier, I said yes straight away,” Mohammad Ali said via ESPNcricinfo.

"I have heard a lot about how good Trent Bridge is to play at, and I can't wait to meet the team and play in front of the brilliant fans. I think we have a really good squad this year and I am excited to play with them and hopefully go really far in this competition,” Mohammad Ali added. 

Ali comes in to represent the Outlaws in the Vitality Blast on the back of an excellent 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign. The right-arm pace bowler ended the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker, with 20 scalps to his name whilst representing the Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Notts Outlaws will want to have a much better Vitality Blast campaign compared to last season, where they finished sixth in the North Group and failed to qualify for the quarterfinals. They last won the T20 Blast title in 2020.