A PLAYER who constantly cashes in when facing stray balls from the opposition, Haseeb Hameed's bats will feature sponsorship from a financial planning firm this summer.

Manchester-based Pareto Financial Planning has announced a ‘back-of-the-bat’ sponsorship of Bolton's England and Lancashire star.

Haseeb, a former Bolton School pupil, is expected to feature in Test matches against South Africa and West Indies this year, as well as representing Lancashire in all formats.

The 20-year-old said: “To have the support of a highly reputable brand and company means a lot to me.

“It’s also great to be associated with a local company, as I’m a local lad who is proud to have represented both Lancashire and England at such an early stage in my career. I’m really grateful to Pareto for their support.”

Haseeb, who made his Test debut for England in India last year, has seen his profile rocket due to his rapid leap from club cricket, to county cricket and subsequently playing for England.

“Things have happened quite quickly for me,” said Hameed. “But while I take things a step at a time I think you have got to enjoy it. Twelve months ago I was a young lad making my first step into my first full season in first-class cricket. Thankfully, things went well and I got the call-up to the England squad.

“Now, I just want to continue being the same person I was last year, to stay true to myself and hopefully continue to do the things that got me into the England squad last year.”

Pareto managing director and co-founder John Stevenson said: “Haseeb is perfect brand ambassador for us. He is professional, focused and an ambitious young local lad who I’m sure will go on to have a fantastic career in the game.”