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Pace bowler attracting interest from other clubs
YORKSHIRE last night revealed pace bowler Ajmal Shahzad has held talks with a number of counties but are optimistic he will sign a new contract at Headingley Carnegie.
Chief executive Stewart Regan said Shahzad had exercised his right to talk to other clubs before deciding whether to put pen to paper on a new deal at Yorkshire.
Under England and Wales Cricket Board regulations, counties can serve 28 days' notice of their intention to speak to an out-of-contract player, with Warwickshire, Middlesex and Surrey believed to be among those trying to land the talented 24-year-old.
But Regan is hopeful that Shahzad – who made a career-best 88 in the County Championship match against Sussex at Hove yesterday – will decide to stay with his native county.
"There has been significant interest in Ajmal; several counties want to talk to him and he has held discussions with several counties," said Regan.
"We've been really impressed with him this year and are fighting hard to keep him, and we're hoping that he will agree to commit his future to Yorkshire.
"Of all our players he's probably the one who has developed the most since 2008. The coaches have been very pleased with how he's come on and he's upped his game during the last few months.
"Given his excellent performances and the level of interest in him that exists around the country, he is definitely a very valuable asset and someone we want to remain on board."
Shahzad, the first British-born Asian to play for the Yorkshire first team when he made his debut in 2004, is not the only player out of contract at the end of the summer.
Yorkshire will also discuss the futures of former England star Matthew Hoggard and up-and-coming pace bowler James Lee during their monthly board meeting at Headingley next week.
"We've made offers to all three players and are keen to keep them all at the club," added Regan.
"There have also been a number of counties interested in signing Matthew Hoggard, but everything should become clearer during the coming days."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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