Rehan Ahmed commits future to Leicestershire

The teenage spinner, who has made seven List A appearances for Leicestershire, excelled at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, taking 12 wickets

Rehan Ahmed has committed his future to Leicestershire, signing a contract extension which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.

The teenage spinner made his first-team debut in last season’s Royal London Cup, picking up five wickets in seven appearances and recording an economy of 5.74.

He then went on to represent England at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, taking 12 wickets – second only to Josh Boyden (15) among his teammates.

Saving his best performances for the back end of the tournament, Ahmed took three consecutive four-fors to help England reach the final, including four vital tail-end wickets in the semi-final against Afghanistan.

In total, Ahmed has played 13 times for England Under-19s, taking 24 wickets.

The teenager is also no slouch with the bat, notably scoring 40 not out off 42 balls against Northamptonshire in 2021 while batting at No.9.

^{Rehan Ahmed (centre) celebrates dismissing Lewis Goldsworthy in the 2021 Royal London Cup [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

And so highly rated is the youngster that Southern Brave paid £50,000 to secure his services for the 2022 edition of The Hundred.

Commenting on his contract extension, Ahmed said: "I am delighted to extend my contract at the club and can’t wait to represent the Running Foxes again during the summer.

"The past year has been incredible for me. From making my Leicestershire to debut to playing in a World Cup final, I have learned so much and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me on my journey so far."

Director of cricket, Claude Henderson, added: "It is exciting to have Rehan onboard to help achieve our long-term ambitions.

"We want to give him the best opportunity to develop his game and contribute to winning games for Leicestershire.

"He has shown a first-class attitude, along with the level of skill and hunger we want to be associated with."