Saqib Mahmood Remains Pragmatic About England Contract Snub
Saqib Mahmood, the dynamic England fast bowler, has accepted his exclusion from the national team’s central contract list for the 2024-25 season, acknowledging that he “probably didn’t do enough” to deserve one. Despite missing out on the prestigious contract, the 27-year-old remains unfazed, stating that he does not wish to “stress over it too much.”
Mahmood’s limited game time for England over the past year, owing to successive stress fractures, has not dampened his enthusiasm. In the ongoing Twenty20 series against the West Indies, he has showcased his talent, registering career-best figures of 4/34 in the first match, part of England’s 2-0 lead in the series.
The fast bowler’s commitment to white-ball cricket has been evident, with plans to feature in the upcoming T10 tournament later this month. Though he has not entered the Indian Premier League auction, Mahmood is considering a stint in the 2025 Pakistan Super League. His recent contract with Lancashire is focused solely on limited-overs formats, allowing him to manage his workload and prioritize his fitness.
Mahmood’s journey has been shaped by the guidance of his mentor, Chris Jordan, the first England pace bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20 internationals. Jordan, who has turned down an opportunity to coach England Lions’ bowlers this winter, has been instrumental in Mahmood’s development, sharing his expertise and pushing the young fast bowler to reach new heights.
“I probably didn’t do enough to deserve a contract, but it’s not the end of the world.” – Saqib Mahmood
As Mahmood continues his pursuit of international success, he remains pragmatic about his situation, acknowledging that he must earn his place through consistent performances. With a keen eye on the future, the cricketer is determined to make the most of his opportunities and cement his position in England’s white-ball setup.
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