Mike to Join Yorkshire at End of Season

Leicestershire CCC can announce that all-rounder Ben Mike will leave the Club upon the expiry of his contract to join Yorkshire CCC.

Mike, whose deal expires at the end of the 2022 season, was offered a new two-year contract by the Running Foxes but chose to decline the extension.

The all-rounder has been an integral part of the side across all formats in recent seasons, featuring on 86 occasions since his debut in 2018.

After signing his first professional deal in August 2018, Mike made an instant impact on first-class debut the following month, taking both his career-best innings figures, five for 37, and his career-best match figures, nine for 94, against Sussex at Hove.

The-23-year-old has gone on to claim 78 first-class wickets for the Running Foxes at 36.68 apiece, while amassing 1,178 runs at an average of 23.56, recording a career-best of 99 not out at Lord’s earlier this season.

Mike also showed admirable white-ball pedigree, particularly in T20 cricket, where he developed a reputation as both an effectual strike bowler and a big-hitter at the death.

The Academy graduate registered 30 wickets at 26.4 and 483 runs striking at just under 150 from his 42 T20 matches, alongside 10 wickets at 37.6 and 159 runs at 19.87 in List A cricket.

Speaking about his decision, Mike said: “It’s been an honour to represent Leicestershire, and I’m extremely thankful to the Club for giving me the opportunity to play professional cricket.

“However, I feel now is the right time for me to move on. I have high ambitions and want to try and further my career to get to the highest level.

Discussing his coaches and teammates, Mike added: “I want to thank Nico (Paul Nixon), Dips Patel, the coaching staff, and everyone else involved with the Club for helping to get the best out of me on and off the pitch.

“I’ve made some great memories and lifelong friends. Seeing the lads have success is something very special and I want to wish them every success in the future.”

In a message to the Foxes family, Mike said: “I would like to thank the fans for their incredible support through the good and bad times. It never went unappreciated, and I have loved trying to win matches for the Foxes.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Ben has been a fantastic servant for Leicestershire in all formats across the past four years.

“Whilst we are extremely disappointed Ben turned down our contract offer, we would like to thank him for his contributions and wish him the best of luck for the future.”