AZEEM RAFIQ will leave Emerald Headingley at the end of the season when his current contract expires.

Pakistan-born Rafiq, who hails from Barnsley, first played for Yorkshire as a teenager in 2008 and stood in as captain in 2012, but was released at the end of the 2014 season.

The 27-year-old off-spinner rejoined the club in 2016 after two years away from the game caused by a loss of form and confidence.

He said of his release: “I was informed on Thursday that Yorkshire have decided not to renew my current contract which ends this season.

"I understand that it is part and parcel of professional sport and tough decisions have to be made. I am of course very disappointed by this decision.

"Whilst the timing of this is far from ideal it gives me the perfect opportunity for a completely fresh challenge with a new county where I can further my cricket and fulfil my potential and ambitions."

Rafiq recently revealed details of the tragic circumstances his family have experienced this year, with his son, Alyaan, being stillborn in May after a difficult pregnancy.

The tragedy meant he missed the first three months of the season including the 50-over One Day Cup, in which he was Yorkshire's top-wicket taker last year. But he recently claimed his 100th career T20 wicket in a Vitality Blast win over Leicestershire Foxes - dedicating it to Alyaan.

Yorkshire said they and the PCA would continue to offer support to Rafiz, wife Faryal and their family.

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon said of Rafiq's impending departure: “Obviously this is part of our rebuilding process. We’re having a really close look at areas in which we need to strengthen the squad and crucially within the budget we’ve got.

"Unfortunately, with that in mind we’re not able to offer Azeem a contract extension.

“We wish him well for the future and thank him for his contribution to the club over the last three years.”