As the T20 Blast 2025 prepares to kick off, teams in the North Group are gearing up for an exciting season. From seasoned powerhouses to teams looking to shake off past disappointments, each side will be hoping to make a mark in this high-stakes competition. Here’s a preview of some of the key teams and their players to watch out for.
Birmingham Bears
Captain: Alex Davies
Overseas Players: Tom Latham (New Zealand, full competition), Hasan Ali (Pakistan, availability tbc)
Finals Day Appearances: Four (2003, 2014, 2015, 2017)
Titles: One (2014)
2024 Finish: Quarter-finals
Key Winter Moves: Birmingham Bears made a strategic signing by bringing in Tom Latham from New Zealand. However, they lost Beau Webster to Australia’s national team. The team will be hoping to finally break their quarter-final jinx this season.
Big Question: Can they finally overcome their quarter-final blues and break into the semifinals? After their dismal loss to Gloucestershire last season, the Bears will be motivated to go further.
Wildcard Watch: Ethan Bamber—The exciting young talent brings energy and a flair for the game, making things happen with both bat and ball. His exuberance will be key in boosting the Bears’ chances.
Derbyshire
Captain: Samit Patel
Overseas Players: Caleb Jewell (Australia, all group stage), Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Afghanistan, all group stage), Blair Tickner (New Zealand, all group stage)
Finals Day Appearances: One
Titles: None
2024 Finish: Sixth (North Group)
Key Winter Moves: Caleb Jewell, coming off his Big Bash success, adds experience and aggression to Derbyshire’s top order. The team will look to push through into the knockout stages.
Big Question: Can they finally secure a spot in the playoffs? Derbyshire has faltered in the last two seasons at the final hurdle, but their squad is strong and ready to take the next step.
Wildcard Watch: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar—The young off-spinner has already impressed on the international stage, and he could be a game-changer for Derbyshire with his ability to turn the ball both ways.
Durham
Captain: Alex Lees
Overseas Players: David Bedingham (South Africa, full competition), Zak Foulkes (New Zealand, all group stage), Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand, full competition), Codi Yusuf (South Africa, all group stage)
Finals Day Appearances: Two (2008, 2016)
Titles: None
2024 Finish: Quarter-finals
Key Winter Moves: The addition of Jimmy Neesham and Zak Foulkes strengthens Durham’s squad, while David Bedingham will add depth to the batting lineup despite his limited availability due to South African Test commitments.
Big Question: Will they break their title drought? With the squad on paper looking stronger, Durham will hope to build on recent performances and finally claim the T20 Blast trophy.
Wildcard Watch: Callum Parkinson—The left-arm spinner showed his worth last season and has been a key figure in Durham’s recent success. He could play a pivotal role in their bowling attack.
Lancashire
Captain: Keaton Jennings
Overseas Players: Chris Green (Australia, all group stage), Ashton Turner (Australia, all group stage)
Finals Day Appearances: Nine (2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022)
Titles: One (2015)
2024 Finish: Quarter-finals
Key Winter Moves: Chris Green and Ashton Turner add much-needed firepower to Lancashire’s squad. After a tough start in the County Championship, the team will hope the T20 format can reignite their momentum.
Big Question: Can the change of format help Lancashire turn their season around? With key players like Sir James Anderson making a return, they’ll be hoping for a strong finish to the season.
Wildcard Watch: Sir James Anderson—The fast-bowling legend has made himself available for the T20 Blast despite his age and could make a significant impact for Lancashire this season.
Leicestershire
Captain: Louis Kimber
Overseas Players: Logan van Beek (Netherlands, full competition), Shan Masood (Pakistan, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Five (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011)
Titles: Three (2004, 2006, 2011)
2024 Finish: Fifth (North Group)
Key Winter Moves: With Shan Masood replacing Peter Handscomb, Leicestershire will hope to have a solid batting lineup this season. Masood’s experience will be key in guiding the team through tough matches.
Big Question: Will the decision to appoint Louis Kimber as captain prove successful? The youngster has explosive potential but needs to find consistency in the T20 format.
Wildcard Watch: Sol Budinger—The young opener has shown flashes of brilliance and, if given more opportunities, could become a breakout star in the T20 Blast.
Northamptonshire
Captain: David Willey
Overseas Players: Matt Breetzke (South Africa, all group stage), Lloyd Pope (Australia, all group stage)
Finals Day Appearances: Four (2009, 2013, 2015, 2016)
Titles: Two (2013, 2016)
2024 Finish: Quarter-finals
Key Winter Moves: The return of Matt Breetzke and Ravi Bopara adds experience and stability to the batting lineup. Lloyd Pope’s inclusion strengthens the bowling attack.
Big Question: Can they overcome their batting frailties? Northamptonshire has been inconsistent in the County Championship, but with a strong squad, they can be contenders.
Wildcard Watch: Raphy Weatherall—The young pacer is coming back from injury and has the potential to be a standout performer for Northamptonshire this season.
Nottinghamshire
Captain: Joe Clarke
Overseas Players: Daniel Sams (Australia, full competition), Moises Henriques (Australia, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Six (2006, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Titles: Two (2017, 2020)
2024 Finish: Ninth (North Group)
Key Winter Moves: Despite Alex Hales’ absence, Daniel Sams and Moises Henriques add much-needed experience to the team. The addition of Henriques could bring the spark they need.
Big Question: Can Nottinghamshire overcome their recent decline in T20 cricket and return to their winning ways?
Wildcard Watch: Freddie McCann—The young batter impressed in his debut season and could become a key player for the Outlaws this season.
Worcestershire
Captain: Brett D’Oliveira
Overseas Players: Ben Dwarshuis (Australia, full competition), Jacob Duffy (New Zealand, first eight matches)
Finals Day Appearances: Two (2018, 2019)
Titles: One (2018)
2024 Finish: Eighth (North Group)
Key Winter Moves: With Ben Dwarshuis and Jacob Duffy joining the team, Worcestershire’s bowling attack looks stronger. They also brought in Ben Allison from Essex for added depth.
Big Question: Can Worcestershire improve in tight situations? They struggled with close matches last season but will hope that Dwarshuis’ addition provides stability.
Wildcard Watch: Ethan Brookes—The all-rounder was the team’s leading run-scorer last season and is expected to play a crucial role again this year.
Yorkshire
Captain: Dawid Malan
Overseas Players: Will O’Rourke (New Zealand, first eight group games), Will Sutherland (Australia, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Three (2012, 2016, 2022)
Titles: None
2024 Finish: Seventh (North Group)
Key Winter Moves: With Will O’Rourke and Will Sutherland joining the squad, Yorkshire looks to strengthen their all-round options. Dawid Malan will lead from the front with a solid batting lineup.
Big Question: Will this be the year Yorkshire finally wins the Blast? They’ve had some close calls but have yet to secure the title despite strong performances.
Wildcard Watch: James Wharton—The young batter impressed last season and could play a crucial role this year, with the potential for England honors in the future.
