Leicestershire re-sign Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq for T20 Blast 2023

Leicestershire have re-signed the star Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq for the 2023 season of the T20 Blast. The speedster enjoyed two sensational seasons with Leicestershire previously with 50 wickets from 28 innings at an average of 16.9. He was the leading wicket-taker for Leicestershire last season with 24 wickets from 14 innings at an average of 16.16 and an economy rate of 7.70.

The 23-year-old right-arm pacer is currently playing for Colombo Stars in the Lanka Premier League 2022 and has taken wickets in all four matches he has played thus far. The 2023 edition of the T20 Blast will start in May but the player is already looking forward to the next season.

Naveen, after signing for the third spell with Leicestershire, said that he has a home-like feeling with the club and is looking for a successful campaign next season.

 “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,” Naveen-ul-Haq said in an official statement.

The Foxes (Leicestershire) finished the last season on the sixth position in the North Group table with just eight wins from the 14 group-stage matches. But re-signing Naveen boosts their bowling unit ahead of the next season and Claude Henderson, director at Leicestershire, believes that the signing of someone of Naveen's quality is a real coup for the club.

"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," Henderson said.