Shafayat leaves Northants

Bilal Shafayat © Getty Images

Northamptonshire have released young batsman Bilal Shafayat from his contract due to family reasons after two seasons with the club.

The 22-year-old, who joined Northants from Nottinghamshire at the start of the 2005 season, is considered by many to be one of the brightest talents in the English game.

The county offered Shafayat an extension to his current contract but both parties felt that under the circumstances it was best for him to be closer to his family.

Northants chief executive Mark Tagg said: “We are disappointed to lose such a good young player but with such an exciting talent as 21-year-old Riki Wessels contracted for 2007 we are very confident that our first team will be at least as strong in our determination to improve on a very successful end to the 2006 season.

“Head coach, David Capel, is looking forward to securing the services of a back up keeper batsman as he continues to finalise his squad for next year.”

Nottinghamshire have made a formal approach for Shafayat's services.