Lancashire's Ajmal Shahzad wishes Yorkshire well in promotion battle (From Gazette & Herald)

Lancashire's Ajmal Shahzad wishes Yorkshire well in promotion battle

12:42pm Thursday 10th May 2012 in Sport By Graham Hardcastle

Ajmal Shahzad may be set to embark upon a new chapter of his career with arch-rivals Lancashire, but the exuberant fast bowler has revealed he is desperate to see Yorkshire secure County Championship promotion this summer.

The fast bowler, inset, was made available for a loan or permanent move away from Headingley last week, with White Rose executive chairman Colin Graves accusing the player of not being a team man.

Shahzad, however, has refused to get drawn into a war of words with the former Costcutter boss, preferring to concentrate on the positives after his loan move to Old Trafford.

“It was an uncomfortable position to be in, but these things happen and you’ve got to deal with them. It’s time to move on,” said the 26-year-old at Hove yesterday.

“I was born and bred in Yorkshire and I’ll always be a Yorkie in a sense. I wish them all the best. If they can get a few wins under their belts, they’ll be up towards the top of Division Two and in with a great chance of promotion, which they’re desperate for.

“It’s all ifs and buts at the moment, but hopefully our paths will cross in Division One next year.”

Shahzad started his career at Yorkshire as a 16-year-old, moving through the age groups to become the first British-born Asian to play for them in 2004 before making his England debut in 2010.

“Looking back on my time there, it was fantastic,” he added. “Yorkshire’s all I’ve ever been used to, and there’s some very happy memories.

“I’ve got to thank a hell of a lot of people there. I started my career there at 16, and there’s a lot of people there who have had a huge influence on my career. But it’s a new chapter in my career and a fresh start.”