Leicestershire keep hold of Rehan Ahmed with new contract to 2027

Having initially signed a contract in April 2022 that was due to keep him at the county until 2026, the young England allrounder's new deal will see him stay at Grace Road for a further year

Leicestershire have tied down the services of Rehan Ahmed after he signed a one-year contract extension.

Having initially signed a contract in April 2022 that was due to keep him at the county until 2026, the young England allrounder's new deal will see him stay at Grace Road until 2027.

The leg-spinner has made 43 appearances for Leicestershire's first team since debuting in 2021as a 16-year-old; Rehan made his first-class bow last May.

The 18-year-old was subsequently fast-tracked into the England side for their tour of Pakistan and he claimed a five-wicket haul in the second innings of his Test debut.

"I started my professional career here; to pick me and back me at such a young age, it was unbelievable," he said. "I want to repay that faith. If I continue to work hard, I'll get opportunities and have a great role in the coming years, so I want to stay as long as possible."

^{Rehan Ahmed has established himself at Leicestershire (Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)}

He then became the youngest men's player to debut across all three formats in 2023. Most recently, he was called up to England's Ashes squad for the second Test against Australia as cover for the injured Moeen Ali, though he did not play.

He has hit four half centuries so far this season in the County Championship for Leicestershire, who have lost head coach Paul Nixon but still find themselves in the promotion spots ahead of the business end of the season.

His contract renewal comes less than a week after another young Leicestershire star, Rishi Patel, also committed his future.

Ahmed's signing has been described as "a massive boost for the whole club" by director of cricket Claude Henderson.

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