Leicestershire Skipper Peter Handscomb Commits Future To Foxes

Leicestershire CCC is excited to announce skipper Peter Handscomb has extended his contract at Uptonsteel County Ground until the end of the 2026 season.

After making an instant impact by a scoring a debut hundred at Headingley in 2023, the Australian international has gone on to register 3,766 runs for the Foxes across formats, making 11 centuries along the way.

An influential figure on and off the field, Handscomb was appointed Club captain ahead of the 2025 summer. His leadership has helped steer Leicestershire to the brink of promotion to Division One, with the Club winning six matches from the opening 11 rounds.

The 34-year-old has shown remarkable consistency in first-class cricket during his three seasons as a Fox, scoring 2,176 runs at an average of 51.8 “ bested by a knock of 142 not out earlier this summer away at Lancashire.

Handscomb has also been a key component of Leicestershire’s 50-over outfit, notching 1,233 runs at more than 56, while he helped the Foxes end their 38-year drought for a List A trophy with Metro Bank One Day Cup glory in his maiden season with the Club.

Due to commitments with home state Victoria, Handscomb will fly home to Melbourne later this week, with Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood to join Logan van Beek as Leicestershire’s overseas options for the remainder of the Rothesay County Championship campaign.

Upon extending his deal, Handscomb told Foxes TV: “It’s a pleasure to be able to come back to Leicestershire again next year. It’s been a special time in my career and I want to be a part of this club for as long as possible.

“This year has been sensational with the way the boys have played. We’ve shown our ability to play entertaining cricket but also be relentless and ruthless.

“To come back as a Division One player and a Division One club would be something special. There’s still a bit of work to do with the final three games coming up, but the boys are in a really good place. I’ll definitely be watching the games from home.

“I’m really excited by the additions we’ve made for next year and the young guys we have coming through. The sky’s the limit for this squad. Everything is trending in the right direction and next season is another chance to build on all the good work we’ve done this year.

“The fans are incredible, I reckon we have the best fanbase on the county circuit. They travel to all corners of the country to come and support us, which I think is incredible. To have that unconditional backing is very special to me.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Pete has been fantastic on and off the field. His leadership, professionalism, and his attention to detail sets the standard for the rest of the squad.

“We wish Pete all the best for his home summer and can’t wait to see him back in a Leicestershire shirt again next season.”

Sitting at the summit of Division Two, Leicestershire require 21 points from their final three matches to secure promotion. Alfonso Thomas’ side return to action against Gloucestershire at Uptonsteel County Ground on Monday 8 September.