Saqib Mahmood commits future to Lancashire

The England seamer, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, had been the subject of much speculation about his future, with Warwickshire understood to be among the interested parties

Saqib Mahmood has committed his future to Lancashire, signing a new two-year contract which will keep him at Emirates Old Trafford until at least the end of 2024.

The 25-year-old’s current contract was due to expire at the end of this season, with much speculation about his future. Warwickshire were understood to be one of the clubs interested in securing his signature.

A graduate of Lancashire's academy, Mahmood has taken 71 wickets at 26.84 in 24 first-class appearances since making his debut in the format in 2016.

He's picked up a further 33 wickets in 17 List A outings and 28 wickets in 24 T20 matches for Lancashire.

A popular selection on the franchise circuit, he has enjoyed stints in the Big Bash, Pakistan Super League and the Hundred, as well as appearing for England in all three formats.

Mahmood is currently side-lined by a stress fracture in his back.

^{Mahmood in action for Lancashire in 2021 [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Commenting on his new contract, Mahmood said: "I am really pleased to be able to commit my future to the club who have shown faith in me from my days in age-group cricket to now at first-team level.

"It's been a difficult few months since suffering the stress fracture to my back, but the support from Lancashire Cricket and in particular our medical department has played a huge role in my ongoing recovery.

"I am now looking forward to getting back to full fitness as soon as possible and helping the Red Rose to fulfil our ambitions over the next couple of years and beyond."

Director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, added: "Saqib is an immensely talented fast bowler and we are thrilled he has committed his future to the club.

"It's obviously been an incredibly frustrating season for him personally with the injury but he's making good progress and we're looking forward to getting him fit and firing for us again.

"Saqib has been with the Red Rose for a decade now, after graduating through our pathway and academy system, and we are really pleased to be able to keep a homegrown talent at the club. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a player and help Lancashire compete for trophies on all fronts."