There was shock and disbelief among Yorkshire members around Bradford today over the news that former Yorkshire cricket captain David Byas had come out of retirement and joined up with their Roses rivals Lancashire.

Some thought Yorkshire were to blame for shabby treatment of the man who led them to the championship title last season while others believed that Byas had gone to Lancashire for the money.

Ralph Patterson, from Baildon, said: "I am pretty certain now that Byas was pushed or told he would not retain the captaincy if he stayed. Nothing is ever straight forward with Yorkshire and his departure sounds a bit similar to Martyn Moxon's the previous year and smacks of underhand work.

"Byas is a man of integrity and did a fine job in taking Yorkshire to the Championship title.

"He was on a high when they clinched the title and it came as a shock when he announced his retirement because I thought he still had a season or two left in him.

"Yorkshire could have asked him to come out of retirement when it became known that Lehmann would miss the start of the season but they were not gracious enough to do so. I hope Byas does really well for Lancashire."

Geoff Holmes, chairman of the Yorkshire Cricketer Supporters' Association, who lives at Idle, said: "My initial reaction was one of shock but, on reflection, I think they dangled the bag of gold in front of him.

"It looks as if John Crawley will buy his way out of his contract with Lancashire and no doubt that money will be made available for Byas.

"We hear the relationship between Yorkshire and Lanca-shire is better than ever before but our supporters will still feel you don't go to play for Lancashire.

"Byas is held in high regard by Yorkshire fans who recognise what he did for the club but that will be diminished now and I don't believe he'll get a good reception when he turns out for Lancashire at Headingley."