Shahzad seals Lancashire move

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Ajmal Shahzad, who was surprisingly made available by Yorkshire, has agreed to join Lancashire on loan for the remainder of the season

Ajmal Shahzad has become the first player in 10 years to switch between the Roses rivals after joining Lancashire on loan from Yorkshire for the remainder of the domestic season.

In a move that is sure to set tongues wagging on either side of the Pennines, seam bowling all-rounder Shahzad, who has 15 England caps across all forms, has agreed to restart his career at Old Trafford just a week after he was surprisingly allowed to leave Yorkshire.

David Byas was the last man to join Lancashire from Yorkshire, after he had led the White Rose to the County Championship title in 2002.

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson was delighted with Shahzad’s capture, which comes with the club currently missing Tom Smith through injury and waiting to hear whether Junaid Khan will be available to return as initially planned.

Watkinson said: “With Tom Smith being ruled out for at least a month after tearing a hamstring and Pakistan set to announce this week their squad for a series in Sri Lanka this summer, which could mean us missing out on bringing Junaid back, the availability of a hugely talented and experienced bowler comes at a good time for us.”

Red Rose head coach Peter Moores added: "We are delighted to bring a bowler of Ajmal's quality into our squad.

“He will join a strong seam attack, giving us the depth needed to compete on all fronts. He is known for his competitive nature, which will fit perfectly into the set-up at Lancashire.”

Shahzad will come straight into contention for Lancashire’s trip to Sussex this week as last year’s LV= County Champions hunt for their first win of the campaign at the fifth attempt.

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