Naveen-ul-Haq to return to Leicestershire for 2023 T20 Blast

The Afghanistan quick has made 28 appearances for Leicestershire in the competition since 2021, taking 50 wickets at 16.9

Naveen-ul-Haq will return to Leicestershire for the 2023 T20 Blast after committing to a third season at Grace Road. 

Since joining the club in 2021, the Afghanistan international has taken 50 wickets in 28 appearances in the competition - the next highest wicket-taker over the same period is Hampshire's Brad Wheal (39).

In his first season with Leicestershire, Naveen took a competition-leading 26 wickets while in 2022, his haul of 24 wickets was bettered by only Richard Gleeson.

A regular on the T20 franchise circuit, his skills with the white-ball have earned him contracts in the Bangladesh Premier League, CPL and Lanka Premier League as well as an ongoing stint in the Big Bash as a partial replacement for Chris Jordan at Sydney Sixers.

^{Naveen in action for Afghanistan during the 2022 Asia Cup [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

In 120 T20 appearances, he has taken 151 wickets, including 31 in 22 outings for Afghanistan.

Commenting on re-joining Leicestershire, Naveen said: "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."

Director of cricket, Claude Henderson, added: "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."