Middlesex has expressed strong interest in bringing Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli to Lord’s for the County Championship or Metro Bank Cup in 2025, following his retirement from Test cricket.
Kohli, who bid farewell to the Test format on May 12, could join forces with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, potentially creating a blockbuster batting line-up for the Division Two side.
Virat Kohli’s possible county stint has generated significant buzz with Middlesex aiming to capitalise on his global appeal.
Also read: Why Did Virat Kohli Retire from Test Cricket?
Middlesex Roll Out Red Carpet for Virat Kohli’s County Participation
Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s Director of Cricket, expressed keen interest in signing Kohli, describing him as the most iconic player of his generation and confirming the club’s desire to discuss a potential deal for the 2025 County Championship or Metro Bank Cup.
"Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation, so of course we are interested in having that conversation," said Coleman as quoted to The Guardian.
Middlesex, currently competing in Division Two, are scheduled to play at Lord’s in September against Derbyshire and Gloucestershire, fixtures that could mark Kohli’s county debut if he decides to accept the offer. The club has a history of attracting global stars, having signed AB de Villiers for the T20 Blast in 2019 and securing Williamson for the latter half of the 2025 season.
Virat Kohli’s County Prospects
Kohli’s Test career, spanning 123 matches, saw him score 9,230 runs with 30 centuries, including a highest score of 254 not out. He captained India to a famous Test win at Lord's in 2021.
Kohli, still contracted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and active in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is barred from playing overseas T20 competitions like the T20 Blast or The Hundred. However, the County Championship and Metro Bank Cup, which focus on red-ball and 50-over formats, are viable options.
In 2018, Kohli signed with Surrey for a county stint but was ruled out due to a neck injury. A Middlesex deal could also see him face Lancashire at Old Trafford, setting up a clash with James Anderson.
Also read: Virat Kohli Career Stats in Test Cricket
