Wasim can't wait for new season

“Constant improvement” has been the Leicestershire mantra since Wasim Khan became chief executive, and the former Warwickshire batsman believes 2017 will see the huge amount of work done on and off the field really begin to bear fruit.

“It's taken two or three years to get to a point where we can say we have the strongest playing squad we have had for many years, under three dynamic young coaches who can take the club a long way,” said Khan.

“There's very serious competition for every place and every player knows it: there's a steeliness and focus that I haven't seen before, based on the knowledge that places now depend on performance, not reputation.

"It's no co-incidence that the younger players shone on the pre-season tour of South Africa, they know they have every chance under the new Head Coach Pierre de Bruyn.

“At the same time the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road, is a very different place. A lot of work was done last season, and that's continued. The first thing people will notice is our fantastic new replay screen, where the old electronic scoreboard was situated. It will combine both functions, like the screen at Trent Bridge, and will be working from ball one, against Notts.”

The screen can also be used to interact with supporters and to improve sponsor profiles and messaging. Increased sponsorship and support from local businesses is one of the reasons Khan was recently able to announce a second successive small annual operating profit, a trend the 46-year-old is confident will continue.

He said: “Given that has been achieved without being as successful as we'd have liked on the field, it will be interesting to see what impact a winning team might have. 

“NatWest T20 Blast ticket sales have been going really well, with the recent signing of big-hitting New Zealand star Luke Ronchi a real boost, and with the bowling options in the squad now I think we have the makings of a seriously competitive one-day outfit.

“The same very much applies in the Specsavers County Championship, for which we will prepare the best pitches we can. Also, before the start of play on the first morning of every Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup, Members will be invited to join board members and myself for a free tea or coffee and raise any issues they wish, and they will be listened to.”

There's even going to be a huge red fox, the symbol of the county, painted on top of 'The Meet', while plans are in train to bring forward the stand on the east side of the pavilion to the boundary, creating more room for building work and expansion, including a new museum. 

With the ground one of the venues for this summer's ICC Women's World Cup, however, that will have to wait until October. In the meantime, Khan is genuinely excited about the prospects for the season ahead.

“I've said before, but in hope as much as in expectation. This season, for the first time, it's the other way round. I honestly can't wait.”

* Don’t miss a ball during the 2017 season! Leicestershire CCC’s Membership packages are on sale through the club’s website HERE, or alternatively you can call 0116 283 2128.

Photo - Matt Davis http://davisphotographer.co.uk/