Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has signed a three-year white-ball contract with Lancashire despite contining to harbour red-ball ambitions.
Mahmood, who has played 22 white-ball games for England, most recently during the T20I series against Australia, has signed a three-year contract with Lancashire till the end of the 2027 season. The white-ball contract will ensure his full availability for the Vitality Blast.
In 36 Vitality Blast matches - all for Lancashire - Mahmood has picked up 44 wickets at an average of 21 since his debut in 2021. He took 12 wickets in nine games this summer, helping Lancashire reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
Mahmood has also played two Tests, with his last appearance coming against the West Indies in 2022. He picked up six wickets at an average of 22.83 on a tour marked by the absences of James Anderson and Stuart Broad following a disastrous Ashes series.
While his contract with Lancashire is a white-ball one, it also has an option for him to play red-ball games, subject to selection.
Speaking about his contract, he said: “I am delighted to commit my future to Lancashire in the Vitality Blast for at least the next three seasons. While this is a white-ball contract, I still have an ambition to play red ball cricket for England again and for Lancashire in the County Championship, which is still the biggest test of skill and fitness outside of Test Match Cricket, and there are options within this contract for that to happen.”
The Director of Cricket Performance of Lancashire Mark Chilton further clarified that the contract will allow him to play four-day games for the county as well. “In the ever-changing landscape of cricket, this contract allows greater control over Saqib’s availability during the Vitality Blast blocks in the summer, while there is also an option for red-ball appearances within the contract, subject to availability and fitness.
“This is something we will work closely with Saqib on, particularly around his franchise commitments, which may include the PSL in the early part of next season.”
Mahmood played two County Championship games this year, picking up two wickets at an average of 86.50. Overall, he has 85 scalps in first-class cricket, with best figures of 5-47.
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