Kabir joins Lancashire

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Lancashire have made their first major signing since being relegated in the LV= County Championship during September with former England seamer Kabir Ali’s arrival from Hampshire on a two-year contract.

Kabir, who turns 32 later this month, spent three seasons at Hampshire having moved there from his first county, Worcestershire, in January 2010.

An injury-plagued career unfortunately continued for much of his time at the Ageas Bowl, but this year he made eight championship appearances, seven in the Clydesdale Bank 40 and four in the Friends Life t20.

Kabir Ali celebrates limiting Warwickshire to six from the last over of the Clydesdale Bank 40 final, which gave Hampshire victory

Domestically, he ended on a high for Hampshire by defending seven from the last over of a thrilling CB40 final versus Warwickshire, which the Royals won by losing less wickets to seal a cup double.

Kabir, whose sole Test was in 2003 - the year he won the first of 14 one-day international caps, said: "Lancashire is a fantastic club with a proud history and great traditions. I am excited at the prospect of working under Peter Moores and his coaching team as well as playing alongside Glen Chapple, who is still one of the best in the country.

"Lancashire has an exciting and emerging squad and I am looking forward to playing my part in the challenges ahead."

Of Hampshire, he added: "I would like to thank everybody at the club including the players, coaches, supporters and staff. I've really enjoyed my three years at the Ageas Bowl. I wish everyone all the best for the coming season and beyond."

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson said: "We are pleased to bring in Kabir whose experience and proven track record in all forms of the game will be of great benefit to our bowling unit."

The Red Rose have recently given professional contracts to academy graduates Alex Davies, Gavin Griffiths, Arron Lilley and Luis Reece, but lost the services of Sajid Mahmood, Gary Keedy, Naqaash Tahir and Ajmal Shahzad, the latter who was on loan with them this summer but signed for Nottinghamshire.

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