Rehan Ahmed Handed Two-Year ECB Central Contract

Foxes star Rehan Ahmed continues to make history after becoming the youngest Men's player to be offered a central contract by the ECB.

The 19-year-old has been awarded a two-year deal as part of the ECB’s new multi-year contract system, which has been implemented for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000.

The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year.

Academy graduate Ahmed made his England bow in December 2022, taking five wickets on Test debut against Pakistan “ rendering him the youngest Test debutant to take a five-wicket haul.

ODI and T20I debuts followed on the tour of Bangladesh in March, again making history as Ahmed became the youngest England player to have debuted across all three formats.

After another sparkling summer in a Leicestershire shirt, which included Ahmed committing his future to the Club until 2027, the all-rounder impressed during further international appearances for England last month “ taking 4/54 in the 2^nd ODI against Ireland and 2/27 in the fourth IT20 fixture of the series against New Zealand.

The leg-spinner will spend the start of the winter with England Lions after being selected alongside Foxes teammate Rishi Patel for a red-ball training camp in the UAE next month.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: "We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England.

"It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.

"I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England's efforts over the next few years.”