Cricket

Farhan Ahmed, the prodigious offspinner and younger sibling of England Test debutant Rehan Ahmed, has inked a three-and-a-half-year contract with Nottinghamshire, marking his first professional deal with the county.At just 16 years of age, Farhan has emerged as a rising star in the English cricket landscape. He has been a standout performer for Nottinghamshire's Second XI, showcasing his exceptional skills and maturity beyond his years."Farhan is an incredibly talented player with immense potential," said Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire's head coach. "He possesses a natural ability and a strong work ethic, which will serve him well as he embarks on his professional journey."Farhan's signing follows in the footsteps of his elder brother, Rehan, who made history as England's youngest Test debutant in December 2022. Like Rehan, Farhan has already represented England at the Under-19 level, participating in the World Cup campaign in South Africa earlier this year."I'm thrilled to have signed this contract with Nottinghamshire," said Farhan. "It's a dream come true to represent my home county and be part of such a prestigious club. I'm eager to learn from the experienced players and contribute to the team's success."Farhan's journey to professional cricket began at Nottinghamshire's academy in 2022. His impressive performances for the county's Under-18s, where he claimed 86 wickets in 57 games, caught the attention of the club's coaching staff."Farhan has been a standout talent in our academy for several years," said Matt Wood, the Elite Pathway Manager. "He's a highly intelligent bowler with a mature approach to the game. We're confident that he has the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level."Farhan's signing is a testament to Nottinghamshire's commitment to developing young talent. The club has a proven track record of nurturing promising players and providing them with the platform to succeed.As Farhan embarks on his professional career, he will undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks. However, with his talent, determination, and the support of Nottinghamshire, he has the potential to become a future star of English cricket.