By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PAKISTANI quick bowler Hunain Shah is on the way to Bradninch & Kentisbeare as the club’s new overseas player.

Shah, who will be 22 by the time the season starts, has represented Central Punjab and Islamabad Region in domestic cricket. His elder brother is Pakistan quick bowler Naseem Shah.

He plays franchise cricket for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League and was part of their 2024 title-winning campaign. His most memorable moment came in the  final against Multan Sultans, where he struck a boundary off the final ball to secure a dramatic last-wicket victory.

Among Shah’s other career highlights are a five-wicket haul in First Class cricket and a top score of 66 in a drawn game against Faisalabad during the current season. And in 50-over cricket his career best bowling to date is six for 26, also against Faisalabad.

“Hunain looks a high-quality player with a big future in the professional game,” said Gary Chappell, the B&K captain, who has led the team to three Premier Division titles since 2022.

“A fast bowling all-rounder, who is following his brother’s path into the Pakistan national side, he'll be joining us after the Pakistan Super League and will be a brilliant addition on and off the field.”

Shah replaces South African Malusi Siboto as B&K’s overseas player. He took 32 wickets at less than 20 runs each in the side that won the Tolchards DCL Premier Division title last season.

Shah won’t be the only new face in the Keynsham Park dressing room this summer as Freddie Cockram has switched from Exeter.

Cockram, a batter who bowls, went through the Exeter age-group teams from under-11 upwards. He was a regular in the Devon under-18 side last season, for whom her made 119 in the three-day game against Cheshire at Budleigh Salterton. 

Exeter gave Cockram an extended run in the first team in 2024. Limited availability meant he only made a handful of appearances in 2025.

Chappell said Cockram will fit nicely into the senior squad.

“It's great to have another hungry young lad like him join the club,” said Chappell.

“Freddie is a good lad, he has ability and sensible head on his shoulders.”

Chappell has not ruled out one or two more possible signings, but recruitment isn’t a big issue.

“We are pretty happy with our current squad and continuity is key to maintaining what's made us successful over the last five years,” said Chappell.