Saqib Mahmood signs new long-term white-ball contract
Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has committed his future to Lancashire Cricket by signing a three-year white-ball contract with the Club.
The 27-year-old’s contract with Lancashire will run until the end of the 2027 season and will ensure Mahmood’s full availability for the Vitality Blast throughout that period, with a further option included for red-ball appearances - subject to player availability and selection.
Mahmood marked his return from two serious back injuries by featuring in nine Vitality Blast matches this summer - taking 12 wickets as Lancashire reached the quarter-final, before being recalled to the England squad for the home white-ball series against Australia and the winter tour to West Indies.
During 36 appearances for Lancashire Lightning in the Vitality Blast, Mahmood has taken 44 wickets at an average of just 21. He has also played in 14 T20 Internationals for England, in addition to a further eight One Day Internationals and two Test Match appearances.
Mahmood is a product of Lancashire’s Academy having joined the Club in 2012, aged 15, before making his senior debut in 2015 and was awarded his county cap in 2021.
Speaking about his new white-ball contract, Saqib Mahmood said: “I am delighted to commit my future to Lancashire in the Vitality Blast for at least the next three seasons.
“2022 and 2023 were both difficult years for me injury-wise, but it was brilliant to get through this summer fully fit. I’d like to thank the medical team at Lancashire for their hard work throughout this period and having their continued support was a key factor in signing this new contract.
“While this is a white-ball contract, I still have an ambition to play red ball cricket for England again and for Lancashire in the County Championship, which is still the biggest test of skill and fitness outside of Test Match Cricket, and there are options within this contract for that to happen.”
Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton said: “We are really pleased that Saqib has extended his contract with us until at least the end of the 2027 season.
“Following a tough few years for Saqib, with two stress fractures of the back, it was great to see him back on the park this summer performing for us in the Vitality Blast before earning a well-deserved England recall.
“In the ever-changing landscape of cricket, this contract allows greater control over Saqib’s availability during the Vitality Blast blocks in the summer, while there is also an option for red-ball appearances within the contract, subject to availability and fitness. This is something we will work closely with Saqib on, particularly around his franchise commitments, which may include the PSL in the early part of next season.”