Afghan pace thrower Naveen-ul-Haq has joined Leicestershire for the 2023 T20 Blast.
The 23-year-old spent the previous two Twenty20 seasons with the Foxes, taking 50 wickets at an average of 16.9.
His 24 scalps last season saw him finish as the competition’s second-best wicket-taker, having topped with 26 a year earlier.
“It’s been a good two years so far and Leicestershire now feels like home,” said Naveen.
The right-hander’s efforts for the Foxes in 2022, which included claiming five wickets for the first time in a T20 game when he won 5-11 in their victory at Worcestershire, saw him become the first white ball player to receive a gold medal. Fox cap, in recognition of “outstanding and consistent service to the club”.
He then played for Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, taking his international tally to 31 wickets with numbers 3-21 in their last game against Australia.
“It’s a real blow for the club to be able to re-sign someone of Naveen’s quality,” said Leicestershire cricket manager Claude Henderson.
