Key Points
- Virat Kohli shocked fans by retiring from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, after a 14-year career.
- England’s Middlesex County is actively pursuing Kohli to play in the County Championship and Metro Bank Cup.
- BCCI rules prevent contracted players from playing in foreign T20 leagues, but county cricket is allowed.
- If signed, Kohli could play alongside Kane Williamson, who is also with Middlesex this season.
- Middlesex officials are reportedly ready to pool resources to secure Kohli’s signature.
New Delhi: Just days after Virat Kohli stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, a new chapter might be opening for the Indian legend. England’s prestigious Middlesex County Cricket Club is reportedly preparing a major offer to bring Kohli into their ranks for the County Championship and Metro Bank Cup.
Kohli’s Test Retirement Sends Shockwaves
On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest-ever batsmen and a former captain, bid farewell to Test cricket, ending a glorious 14-year red-ball career. The decision left fans across the globe disappointed, with many lamenting the end of an era. Kohli had previously retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 but remains available for ODI selection.
Middlesex Makes Its Move
According to a report in The Guardian, Middlesex County is keen to sign Kohli for the upcoming English domestic season. Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s Director of Cricket, confirmed the club’s interest:
“Virat Kohli is the most famous player of his generation, so of course we are interested in talking to him.”
The club has a history of attracting top international talent. Kohli’s close friend, South African superstar AB de Villiers, played for Middlesex in the T20 Blast in 2019. This season, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson has also signed with Middlesex and will feature for London Spirit in ‘The Hundred’.
BCCI’s Stance and What’s Possible
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits centrally contracted Indian players from participating in foreign T20 leagues, there is no such restriction on playing in overseas first-class competitions like the County Championship. This opens the door for Kohli to make his debut in English county cricket.
Indian Stars in County Cricket
Several Indian players, including Cheteshwar Pujara, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, Karun Nair, and KS Bharat, have taken part in county cricket over the years, gaining valuable experience in English conditions.
What’s Next? Kohli and Williamson Together?
If the deal goes through, fans could witness the exciting prospect of Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson-two modern greats-batting together for Middlesex. The report also mentions that Middlesex officials are willing to share the financial burden to secure Kohli’s services, underlining the club’s determination.
Kohli’s Future: Still Active in ODIs
Despite his Test retirement, Kohli remains committed to ODI cricket. Notably, his retirement post on Instagram made no mention of stepping away from first-class or domestic cricket, leaving the door open for a county stint.
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement may have saddened fans, but the possibility of him playing county cricket for Middlesex has reignited excitement. With negotiations reportedly underway, English cricket could soon welcome one of the game’s biggest superstars for a new adventure.
