YOU could forgive Azeem Rafiq for wanting to steer well clear of a Twenty20 Cup match between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.

Around this time last year the 18-year-old made his senior debut for the White Rose county in a crucial fixture that Yorkshire had to win to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The off-spinner did not take a wicket, but did not disgrace himself either in Yorkshire’s nine-wicket win.

But Yorkshire were disgraced when it later emerged that Rafiq was ineligible because he did not hold a British passport and was not registered properly.

The county were thrown out of the competition, extinguishing their chances of qualifying for multi-million pound Champions League event.

Tonight Yorkshire return to the East Midlands for another crucial North Division fixture knowing that a win will put them on the verge of a place in the last eight with three group games still to play.

Rafiq is expecting to play only his second Twenty20 match after starring with both ball and bat in the last two County Championship matches, his first two fourdayers in county cricket.

“Hopefully I will get a game,” said the Barnsleybased teenager with more than a hint of caution in his voice. “I think I will be involved in all forms of the game if I continue to do what I have been doing.”

Rafiq recorded his maiden first-class hundred batting at No 9 against Worcestershire at New Road, along with taking eight wickets in his first two matches.

“I started off in the Twenty20 squad all the way through, but got my chance when Adil Rashid got called up for England. It was nice to get my hundred, and hopefully I can build on it.”

Rafiq is expecting the Trent Bridge conditions to favour the spinners, ensuring his chances of playing are “high”.

Despite being available after England’s early World Twenty20 exit, Rashid did not feature against Worcestershire in the Championship last week because of a minor injury niggle.

Rashid should be available for the televised fixture against the Outlaws tonight, but David Wainwright is still struggling with split webbing on his left hand.

If, for any reason, Rafiq did not play tonight he should still get a chance to play some 20-over cricket later in the week.

Leg-spinner Rashid is expected to be named in England’s extended Ashes squad today, and they are due to meet up at Loughborough towards the end of the week.