Ajaz Patel Joins Leicestershire for 2026 Season
Thu 12 Feb 2026
Leicestershire County Cricket Club (CCC) has signed Ajaz Patel for the upcoming season to replace Keshav Maharaj due to the workload constraints imposed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on red-ball cricket.
The club extends its best wishes to Maharaj in his future endeavours; however, maintaining a competitive edge in red-ball cricket is vital for the county, and both parties agreed that a mutual resolution was in their best interest.
Ajaz Patel was born in Mumbai, India, and moved to New Zealand at the age of eight. He has since become a key player for the New Zealand team as a slow left-arm bowler.
Patel gained recognition after being included in New Zealand's Test squad for their two-match series in India. In the second Test, he achieved a remarkable milestone by taking all ten wickets in the first innings, finishing with figures of 10/119 from 47.5 overs. This accomplishment places Patel among a select group, as he is only the third bowler in history, following Jim Laker in 1956 and Anil Kumble in 1999, to take all ten wickets in a Test match innings.
Ajaz Patel will be available across all three formats throughout the 2026 season and will be eager to make an immediate impact, with the campaign set to be his first white-ball season in England.
Ajaz not only brings a wealth of international experience, but also extensive County Championship pedigree, having previously spent time with Yorkshire, Glamorgan and Durham.
Leicestershire CCC views the signing of Patel as a significant achievement. Claude Henderson, Director of Cricket at Uptonsteel Grace Road, expressed confidence that fans will embrace Ajaz.
He stated, "Only three players have achieved this historic feat - Jim Laker, Anil Kumble, and Ajaz - so he’s in pretty select company! Additionally, having played county cricket before, along with his international experience, can only benefit the changing room."
Ajaz Patel remarked, "I am very excited to be joining Leicestershire. They had an amazing season last year to get promoted. With a strong squad and quality players, I look forward to contributing to the club's success in the coming season."
Be there to see Ajaz in person this summer - click here!
Join us for an inspiring carvery lunch on March 1st at 1:30 PM! Claude Henderson, Alfonso Thomas, and Emma White will be eager to share their insights and answer your questions. Tickets are limited and go quickly, so seize this opportunity - email oliviabryan@leicestershireccc.co.uk to secure yours today!
