Bukhari played for Dosti United Amsterdam for the past three seasons, winning the national title with them in 2015, having previously had spells with ACC, HBS Den Haag , VVV Amsterdamand the now-defunct Asian Den Haag.
In all, he has made 3808 runs in the top flight at an average of 25.56, the highest of his three centuries an unbeaten 121 for ACC against VVV in 2009. He has also claimed 276 wickets at 18.33, his best figures six for 29 for the same club against Hermes-DVS in 2013.
He announced his retirement from international first-class and one-day cricket last year, having played a total of 185 matches for the Netherlands in all formats. He remains available for selection for T20 Internationals, but was not included in the party which took part in last week’s Desert T20.
Bukhari is the Netherlands’ leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and all List A matches, having taken 57 wickets in 46 ODIs for the national team at an average of 28.10 and 145 wickets in 112 List A games, averaging 26.03.
His hard hitting also made an impact in numerous matches for the national side, especially in the ECB 40-over competition, where he frequently punished county attacks. His highest international score, however, was his 84 against Canada in the decisive match of the 2009 World Cup Qualifier in Johannesburg, where he was promoted to opener and after a spirited duel with Canadian paceman Henry Osinde went on to ensure his side’s qualification for the 2011 World Cup.
Now 33, Bukhari was born in Gujrat in Pakistan, but moved to the Netherlands with his family when he was fourteen. He played youth cricket at HBS before making his first-team debut with Asian.
Sparta chairman Bas Kornet is understandably delighted at his club’s new signing.
‘We are extremely proud that we have been able to bring this top-level player to the club,’ he said. ‘In addition to his qualities with both bat and ball, he brings with him a huge amount of experience and enthusiasm for the game.
‘Mudassar will play an important role in the development of our young team through that experience and through one-on-one coaching.’
Bukhari himself confirmed that he was ready for the challenge: ‘The feeling was positive from the beginning, and the project they are pursuing really appeals to me.
‘I’m looking forward to getting started with the young and talented group of players at Sparta.’ Sparta finished bottom of last season’s Hoofdklasse competition, but because of the restructuring of the Dutch league were able to escape relegation. This year they will be playing in a ten-team competition, which will include the four promoted sides Voorburg, HCC 2, Dosti United 2 and Salland Deventer.