WARWICKSHIRE’S young England batter Hamza Shaikh has signed a contract extension with the county – and says Edgbaston is the perfect place to develop his career.
Birmingham-born Shaikh – who last summer captained England Under-19s and lined-up for England Lions – has agreed an additional year to his current deal.
It means the 18-year-old will be a Bear until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Shaikh has made 17 List A appearances for Warwickshire, scoring 258 runs (23.45 ave), and last season made his red ball bow for both Club and country.
He crafted an innings of 91 (204 balls) on his First Class debut for Lions against Sri Lanka in August before going on to feature in three County Championship games.
“I signed a rookie contract two years ago and things have moved quickly,” said right-handed Shaikh. “I’m grateful for the opportunities Warwickshire have given me. I’m focused on working hard and pushing for my goals and standards, to be the best possible player I can.
“I’m really excited for the future. I’ve grown up as a Bear, been with the club as a boy. It’s a great team to be part of. I know I’m lucky to be at the Bears with the facilities and knowledge here. That’s not lost on me, it’s a great environment to grow and keep improving.”
Shaikh has progressed through Warwickshire’s youth pathway from the age of 10 and said he was inspired by watching the likes of Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott.
Now he wants to help inspire a new generation of local youngsters to take up cricket with Warwickshire.
He added: “Hopefully myself, Taz, Theo, Dan Mousley and Jacob Bethell are showing what opportunities there are in cricket for children to progress through the system and be given a chance to fulfil their dreams as a professional.
“I love playing in a team with guys I’ve grown up with and know well. Hopefully we can inspire other young kids in Birmingham and the West Midlands to pick up a bat and a ball.
“It’s great to see more of my family and friends watching cricket now; people are asking me how I’ve got on, they’re looking out for my scores.
“I’m excited for the new season. I’ve had a busy winter, lots of learnings and new experiences. Every tour has provided a new challenge, bringing out new sides in me. There’s a good bond in the team.”
Warwickshire First Team Coach Ian Westwood, said: “Hamza is a fantastic young player with a bright future ahead of him. Last year was an important one for him, and he took it impressively for England Lions.
“He’s a popular member of the squad; it’s always pleasing to see homegrown talent come through our youth system into the senior side.”
