Yorkshire’s future spin plans became clearer yesterday when they announced that Azeem Rafiq has signed a contract extension and that David Wainwright intends to leave the club due to a lack of first-team cricket.

Off-spinner Rafiq, 20, has committed his future to Headingley for a further two years but left-armer Wainwright is on the move after eight seasons with his home county.

Having played just four first-class matches in 2011, the 26 year-old has activated a release clause in his contract.

Seamer Ben Sanderson and all-rounder Lee Hodgson have also been released.

Rafiq, currently recovering from a torn hamstring, will start next season as Adil Rashid’s number two, and he said: “I’m really pleased after a frustrating last couple of months.

“For Martyn (Moxon), Galey and the rest of the club to show the faith in me they have done gives me a lot of confidence ahead of next season. Hopefully I can get fit, repay them out on the field and help get the club back up into the Championship.”

Batsman Gary Ballance, Yorkshire’s Players’ Player of the Year, has also signed for another two years, while Joe Root and Bradfordian fast bowler Moin Ashraf are currently mulling over similar offers.

The club have also awarded junior pro contracts to Alex Lees, Callum Geldart (batsmen), James Wainman, Alex Lilley (bowlers) and wicketkeeper-batsman Dan Hodgson.

Wainwright, formerly of England Lions, is unlikely to be short of suitors as he looks to rekindle a career that has stalled during the last two seasons.

He went on loan to Derbyshire earlier this season but had to be recalled without playing due to Rafiq’s injury.

Northamptonshire had also shown an interest, while Division One counties Middlesex and Warwickshire are on the lookout for a left-arm spinner.