Teenage star agrees contract extension at Warwickshire

The 18-year-old star has agreed to add another year to his current deal, keeping him at Edgbaston until the end of 2026.

Shaikh will be given the chance to establish himself in the Bears’ County Championship team this season after an impressive 2024, which saw him score 91 against Sri Lanka while making his first-class debut for England Lions.

The former Sandwell College student is thought to be already on the radar of the England senior set-up and is eager to push on.

“I signed a rookie contract two years ago and things have moved quickly,” said 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.”

Birmingham-born Shaikh also captained England under-19s last summer and went on to play three County Championship games for the Bears toward the end of the campaign.

The broken hand suffered by overseas star Tom Latham means he is poised to get his chance in the opening month of the new season.

Shaikh hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Warwickshire players Dan Mousley and Jacob Bethell, both of whom made their senior England bows last year. 

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 head 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.

“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.”