LONDON, Nov 30: Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Asif will play for Leicestershire in the 2006 English County Championship, the county announced on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old Pakistan ‘A’ player claimed 10 wickets in England’s embarrassing defeat in their early tour match on the sub-continent and made the squad for the final Test in Lahore, although he did not win a starting place.

Asif, whose potential was first spotted by Leicestershire academy director Phil Whitticase, will play at least half the season but his full availability will only be determined once Pakistan’s touring party for their trip to England has been finalised.

“I am sure we will hear a lot more about Mohammad Asif in the years ahead and we hope that he makes a big impact here at Grace Road,” said Leicestershire chairman Neil Davidson.

“He certainly impressed Phil Whitticase when he played for our second XI in the 2004 season and we were on his trail when he shot to prominence with his match-winning performance against England.

“He sees this as a big opportunity to further his ambitions and develop his game in English conditions.”

Whitticase added: “He is a tall, lanky bowler with the ability to generate great pace. He certainly proved to be a handful when he played for our second XI and we felt back then that he was one we should keep a close eye on.”

Yorkshire buy ground

The future of Test cricket at one of the sport’s most famous venues, Headingley in Leeds, looks assured after Yorkshire agreed to buy the ground for 12 million pounds (US$20.8 million).

The move has been made possible by a loan for 75 percent of the cost from Leeds City Council which was confirmed on Wednesday. The cash will allow Yorkshire to buy out their current landlords, the Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Company.

Earlier this year, Yorkshire were assured Headingley could host England matches for the next 15 years, provided they took ownership of the ground by 2006.

The purchase of the ground is subject to the approval of Yorkshire CCC members, who will discuss it on Dec 6 and vote on Dec 24.

Yorkshire plan to increase the ground’s capacity from 17,000 to 20,000 with significant developments of the Grandstand and Kirkstall Lane ends.—AFP