Gurbaz joins Naveen in Leicestershire

Leicestershire County Cricket Club make their third signing in as many days as Rahmanullah Gurbaz joins fellow Afghanistan international Naveen Ul-Haq as a Running Fox for the 2022 Vitality Blast campaign.

Gurbaz is currently at the ICC T20 World Cup and scored a 37-ball 46 in the comprehensive victory over Scotland on Monday, including four sixes.

Having made his T20I debut at the tender age of 17, his stats at the top of the order are remarkable having scored almost 500 runs at an average of 35.14 and with a best of 87.

Gurbaz’ domestic T20 stats are just as impressive with a total of 1,232 runs coming in the 48 innings played at an average of 25.66, with an agonising best of 99.

His international strike-rate is 141.78 and that rises to 152.85 across all domestic competitions, a trait that is sure to capture the imagination of Leicestershire supporters.

Not only does Gurbaz have the ability to change the game with the bat, he can either keep wicket having done so a number of times on the international stage, or is a safe pair of hands in the field.

Gurbaz has played in a number of tournaments around the world, and this will be his first time playing professional cricket in England.

He said: “It has always been my dream to play county cricket. I can’t wait to join the Foxes at the Uptonsteel County Ground and from the moment I heard that there was interest, it was an easy decision to make.

“Naveen spoke so highly of the Club and I was desperate to be part of that and show the fans what I can do.”

Foxes Head Coach Paul Nixon was delighted to see Gurbaz join his international teammate in Leicestershire. He said: “We have been keeping a very close eye on Rahmanullah [Gurbaz] for a couple of years now.

“Rahmanullah is one of the most exciting young players in the modern game, his 360-degree clean power hitting ability is to be marvelled at.

“He has a class and a raw power fused into his game and it creates match-winning abilities.”

Watch Gurbaz in big-hitting T20 action, alongside fellow countryman Naveen, with your 2022 Blast Pass. Purchase yours HERE.