Mushtaq signs two-year deal with Sussex

Sussex have announced that Mushtaq Ahmed, who took 103 wickets during their County Championship-winning campaign in 2003, has agreed a new two-year deal which will keep him at Hove at least until the end of the 2005 season.

"This is great news for everyone associated with the club, as Mushtaq's impact both on and off the field has been outstanding," said Peter Moores, Sussex's director of cricket. "Personally, I am looking forward to working with Mushtaq again and taking on the challenge of defending the trophy."

Sussex have also been linked with Mushtaq's Pakistan team-mate Mohammad Akram, a fast bowler, but Moores insisted that no formal approach had been made.