Naveen-ul-Haq to return to Leicestershire in 2022

The Afghanistan pace bowler was the leading wicket-taker in the 2021 T20 Blast, picking up 26 wickets at an average of 17.57

Naveen-ul-Haq  has re-signed for Leicestershire for the 2022 season.

The pace bowler, who is currently representing Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, made an immediate impact in his debut T20 Blast campaign in 2021, taking a competition-leading 26 wickets at an average of 17.57.

Naveen picked up at least one wicket in all 14 of his matches and recorded best figures of 3 for 26 against Derbyshire. With the bat, he memorably scored back-to-back boundaries against defending champions Notts Outlaws to seal a dramatic two-wicket win for the Foxes.

Commenting on his return to Leicestershire, Naveen said: "I am delighted to be returning to the Uptonsteel County Ground. It was an easy decision when I was told that the club was keen on re-signing me for the 2022 season.

^{Naveen celebrates taking a wicket against Scotland at the T20 World Cup}

"There was interest from a few other counties, but I enjoyed my time in Leicestershire last season and felt at home here so much, with special thanks to Paul [Nixon].

"The 2021 campaign was successful personally for me, but I hope that in 2022 I can help the team reach Finals Day!”

Head coach, Paul Nixon, added: "We are delighted to have secured the return of Naveen for 2022. To get the leading wicket-taker from the 2021 instalment of the Vitality Blast back for 2022 is a real coup for the club.

"Naveen is a good character around the dressing room and always carries himself in a professional manner. His mixture of determination and skill levels means he is a key wicket taker for us heading into the competition."