Charlie Barnard signs first professional contract with Lancashire
Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce that England Under-19s international Charlie Barnard has signed his first professional contract with the Club - putting pen-to-paper on a multi-year deal.
The left-arm spinner made his Lancashire first team debut against Durham at Sedbergh School in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup last month and has since played five matches of the competition – impressing with four wickets.
19-year-old Barnard is a product of the Lancashire Academy and has played club cricket at Hyde Cricket Club since the 2022 season.
Previously, Barnard was part of the Cheshire county age-group system and played for Newton Cricket Club before making the move to Hyde.
Barnard represented England at the U19s Cricket World Cup in South Africa this year – taking two wickets – and also featured in this summer’s Test match win over Sri Lanka in Cheltenham.
Speaking to LancsTV, Charlie Barnard said: “It is unbelievable feeling to sign my first professional contract with Lancashire. This is something I've been working towards for the last three years since joining the Academy.
“I was really excited when the opportunity came around. I found out a couple of weeks ago when I was away with England Under 19s. It was a really proud moment for me and for my family.
“It was unbelievable to make my first team debut last month. It was a bit unexpected. I didn't think I was going to start in the first couple of games, but Benky [Dale Benkenstein], gave me the opportunity, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to kicking on.”
Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton commented: “I would like to congratulate Charlie and his family on achieving this milestone of signing a first professional contract.
“It is a reward for all of the hard work and dedication up to this point and Charlie will now take the next steps in his cricketing journey with all of the support from everyone here at Lancashire.
“We have been really impressed with Charlie’s first steps into first team cricket so far this summer and we are looking forward to watching him progress with us throughout the years ahead.”