Naveen Signs for Third Leicestershire Spell

Leicestershire CCC is thrilled to announce the return of Afghanistan international Naveen-ul-Haq for the 2023 Vitality Blast.

Known for his impressive array of variations, the 23-year-old has taken 50 wickets at 16.9 for the Foxes during his previous two campaigns in the East Midlands, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone in the Club’s history.

Naveen finished second in the Blast’s wicket-taking charts with 24 during the summer, having concluded his maiden season in 2021 as the outright leader with 26.

2022’s haul included his maiden T20 five-fer, as the right-arm pace bowler took a match-winning 5 for 11 in June’s victory away at Worcestershire, equalling Clint McKay’s record for the second-best T20 figures in Leicestershire history.

Such efforts resulted in the overseas star being named as the Foxes’ T20 Player of the Year in 2022, as well as becoming the first white-ball player to receive a Gold Fox cap, which recognises consistent outstanding service to the Club.

As well as starring for the Foxes and franchise sides around the globe, the Afghan international made headlines at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the Autumn, picking up figures of 3 for 21 and a run-out against then-holders, Australia.

The wickets of David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins took him to 31 T20I scalps, claimed at an average of 18.25, while he has 151 domestic T20 wickets at 21.92.

With Wiaan Mulder also returning for the 2023 Vitality Blast, Naveen will complete a settled line-up that ended last season’s group stage with five consecutive wins to post the Foxes’ best points tally since 2017.

Upon re-signing for the Club, Naveen said: “I’m really looking forward to next season already. It’s been a great two years so far and Leicestershire now has a feeling of home for me.

“The boys have supported me a lot, from captain to coach to every player in the dressing room, and I believe we have a squad capable of success.

“The way we played in the last five games (in 2022) showed the character, unity, and ability of our team, and that fills me with confidence heading into next year.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, commented: “It’s a real coup for the Club to be able to re-sign someone of Naveen’s quality.

“His performances have merited a lot of interest from other counties, so we are delighted to see his commitment to Leicestershire and can’t wait to see what he can do in a Foxes shirt next year.”

Don’t miss a ball of Naveen in action at Uptonsteel County Ground by securing a Blast Pass for just £50.