Evans To Depart Leicestershire After Eight Seasons

Sam Evans will depart the Club following the end of the season after more than 15 years of service at Uptonsteel County Ground.

The 26-year-old joined Leicestershire at Under 11 level, and went on to make 36 appearances for the county in first-class and List A cricket following his debut against Northamptonshire in the final game of 2017.

Evans leaves as a One Day Cup champion, having scored a vital half-century in a match-winning 151-run partnership with fellow Academy graduate Harry Swindells during last September’s final at Trent Bridge.

The tenacious opener made three centuries for the Foxes, made consecutively at the start of the 2021 campaign, headlined by a score of 138 against Surrey at The Oval.

A Leicester-born batter, Evans also had the honour of captaining his county during the visit of India’s Test stars for the four-day tour match in 2022.

Evans captained the Second XI to the Second Eleven Championship title last summer, while his sensational 210 helped Dips Patel’s side to a record-breaking 498-run chase against Nottinghamshire in the competition in August.

Discussing the news of his departure, Evans said: “Growing up, it was my dream to play for Leicestershire just once, so I’m very proud to have achieved eight years as a professional with the memories I’ve made. It’s been a great journey, and I’ve loved every minute.

“Winning a trophy with your boyhood club is something every professional cricketer dreams of. The team spirit we showed that day and throughout that competition was really special. You can’t top that.

“All you can do is try and leave the shirt in a better place than you found it, and I tried to do that by being a good teammate first and foremost. I’d like to think I’ve helped younger players to progress their careers and left a bit of a legacy in that regard.

“I want to thank my teammates and coaches for everything they’ve done for me along the way, and wish them every success in the future.

“I’d also like to thank the fans for their support. I was immensely proud to wear the Foxes badge and cap, and I’d like to think people saw I always gave 100% for the Club.”

Sam departs with the very best wishes of the Board, management, players and staff at Leicestershire CCC. He will always be welcome back with open arms at Uptonsteel County Ground.