India Star Leaves Asia Cup 2025 Midway, Joins this County Side in Surprising Move

Hampshire county cricket club have tried to strengthen their squad with the signing of Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar for the final two matches of their County Championship campaign. It is a crucial move due to their recent points deduction, which has left them dangerously close to the relegation zone.

The club was hit with an eight-point penalty following a Cricket Discipline Panel ruling related to the condition of the pitch used during their Championship clash against Sussex back in May. The panel considered the surface to be below standard, and after last week’s hearing, Hampshire were handed both a fine and a costly deduction.

To make matters more difficult, rain washed out any chance of a result in their return fixture against Sussex on September 11, leaving Hampshire with no choice but to take maximum advantage from their remaining games. Those final two matches won’t be easy. They face title contenders Somerset and league leaders Surrey. The addition of Sundar, who brings experience with both bat and ball, could prove vital in this battle for survival.

Washington Sundar County Cricket Return Between the Asia Cup 2025

India all-rounder Washington Sundar, who is currently listed as a standby in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, is yet to join the team in the UAE. Although he is one of the best all-rounders in India, he is still not a part of the team in white-ball cricket. Like the rest of the reserves, he remains on standby back home and will only be called into action if needed during the tournament. However, Washington Sundar Asia Cup participation is now in jeopardy given his County deal.

In the meantime, the Tamil Nadu cricketer has secured a short-term deal with Hampshire for the final two rounds of the County Championship. Washington Sundar County team, Hampshire, is set to face Somerset at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton from September 15 to 18, followed by a home fixture against Surrey at the Utilita Bowl from September 24 to 27. This stint marks Washington Sundar county cricket return after a brief spell with Lancashire in 2022, where he featured in both red-ball and white-ball formats.

Hampshire Director of Cricket on Washington Sundar's Inclusion

Hampshire have officially confirmed the signing of India all-rounder Washington Sundar for the final stretch of their County Championship campaign. The club’s Director of Cricket, Giles White, expressed himself after bringing the 25-year-old on board.

Sundar returns to English domestic cricket on the back of a strong performance in the high-stakes five-match Test series between India and England earlier this year. Although he didn’t feature in the opening Test at Headingley, he was brought into the playing XI from the second match onwards.

Across the four Tests he played, Sundar contributed significantly with both bat and ball. He racked up 284 runs at a solid average of 47.33, highlighted by a century that helped India manage a draw at Old Trafford, one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. With the ball, he chipped in with 7 wickets at an average of 38.57.

Sundar’s performances have earned him the trust of India’s new-look team management, led by the head coach Gautam Gambhir, and he is now an integral part of the Test setup and will be featuring in India's next Test series against the West Indies, starting on October 2, 2025.