Mahmood Finally Signs New Contract

Mahmood Finally Signs New Contract

Azhar Mahmood appeals for a wicket against Essex.

©Action Images

Kent all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has finally put pen to paper on a new two-year contract. It is thought that the 36 year-old had originally been offered a one-year deal but had been holding out for the additional year.

The former Pakistan international, who is now qualified for England, had been playing on a one-day contract for the club last season, albeit with occasional four-day appearances thrown in, and it is not known whether this arrangement will continue for 2012.

In 2011, Mahmood topped the county’s first-class batting averages and made the most of his promotion to number three in limited-overs cricket to end with 485 runs at an average of 40.41 in the Friends Life t20 as his batting hit a purple patch. His contributions with the ball were as consistent as ever and he was named as the supporters’ Player of the Season.

Of his new contract, Mahmood said, “I am so pleased to have agreed the extended contract. I am really looking forward to the next two years. It has taken a while to conclude my contract but I have never had anywhere other than Kent in my thoughts. It is a special club and I truly believe we can achieve great things in the coming years.”

Club chairman, Graham Johnson, added, “We are delighted to have re-signed Azhar. He made a fantastic contribution in 2011, finishing top of the batting averages in the County Championship, scoring a fantastic t20 hundred at Beckenham and bowling consistently well in both one-day and Championship cricket. Azhar has a wealth of experience in the game and is always keen to share it. This is something that we value very highly, and he has an important role to play in the development of our younger bowlers.”

Other County News In Brief:

Glamorgan seamer James Harris has won his county’s Denis Compton Award for the fifth successive season. Former county batsman Tom Maynard, now with Surrey, also picked up the award.

Gloucestershire have announced a profit of £2,000 for the year ending 30^th September 2011. It marks a significant turnaround from last season’s six-figure loss.

Sean Terry, son of former Hampshire batsman Paul; wicket-keeper Adam Rouse; and batsman Tim Ravenscroft have all signed development contracts with Hampshire for 2012.

A report in the Kent local press has claimed that there have been over 50 applicants for the job of head coach at the troubled county. Names included range from former internationals Geoff Lawson and Dean Jones, through to former county players Min Patel and Alan Wells, and include current county coaches Wayne Noon and Mark Davis.

Glen Chapple has revealed in a new book about Lancashire’s title triumph that “winning the title was a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Leicestershire CCC have announced that club captain, Matthew Hoggard, is making good progress in his recovery from a shoulder operation.

Opening batsman Arun Harinath has signed a new one-year deal with Surrey. The club have also announced that they will not be offering off-spinner Simon King a new contract.

Sussex have been drawn against the Netherlands for their first match in the Caribbean T20. A full fixture list is available here.

Yorkshire CCC have confirmed that Steve Oldham, Kevin Sharp and John Blain will not be offered new deals in the county’s revamped coaching structure. This means that, along with Craig White, all four have paid the price for Yorkshire’s poor performances in 2011.

© Cricket World 2011