Sakand-stays at Leicestershire

Abi Sakande joins the list of Running Foxes players extending their stay at the Uptonsteel County Ground after impressing during the 2021 campaign.

The 27-year-old quick bowler joined Leicestershire CCC in June last year and impressed in his three First XI appearances after performing well for the Second XI.

Leading the attack alongside the experienced Chris Wright, Sakande claimed seven wickets in three appearances as County finished fourth in Division Three of the newly re-structured LV=County Championship.

He was the club’s leading wicket-taker in the Second XI Championship, collecting 29 wickets at an average of under 23.

Sakande, who started his career at Sussex CCC, has taken 47 wickets in his first-class career at 36.89 apiece and a further nine in List A cricket.

As well as being a talented fast bowler, Sakande was a recent winner in the Professional Cricket Association’s Futures Awards.

He has worked on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) projects with the PCA, Sussex Cricket Board and Leicestershire CCC, and started an MSc in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Kent.

Sakande is also part of Leicestershire CCC’s Sustainability Working Group, which includes members of the Company and Cricket Pillars.

He said: "I am happy to have extended my contract with the Running Foxes. It was great for me to earn a deal at Leicestershire last season, and I am excited to push on with this this squad to improve on our performances from last year.

“2022 will be a good year to be a Fox."

Head Coach Paul Nixon has been thoroughly impressed with Sakande. He said: “We are delighted that Abi [Sakande] has signed his extension.

“He has all the attributes to be a high-class bowler; height, lateral movement, pace and bounce.

“We are excited to see how he kicks on for Leicestershire in 2022.”

Watch Abi in 2022 action for the Running Foxes, alongside his the rest of the pace bowling contingent at the Uptonsteel County Ground - purchase your 2022 Membership HERE.