Duo extend Yorkshire deals

Rafiq and Ballance handed contract extensions

Last updated: 3rd October 2008

Duo extend Yorkshire deals

Rafiq: New deal

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Promising teenagers Azeem Rafiq and Gary Ballance have both signed contract extensions with Yorkshire until 2011.

Rafiq's new deal comes just three months after he unwittingly found himself at the centre of a controversy which led to Yorkshire's expulsion from the Twenty20 Cup.

The 17-year-old had been due to line up against Durham on July 7 but the match was abandoned prior to the start after it emerged Rafiq had not been registered for first-team action and did not hold a British passport.

Yorkshire have also confirmed that Rafiq still does not yet have a British passport.

Talented 18-year-old batsman Gary Ballance has also signed on with the county until 2011.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: "Gary and Azeem are both exciting young players and we are delighted that they have signed their first professional contracts with Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

"We all wish them every success in their professional careers. Their parents, like us, will be very proud indeed."