Rehan Ahmed: England all-rounder to stay with Leicestershire until 2027

Rehan Ahmed was only 16 when he made his first-team debut for Leicestershire in 2021

England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed has signed a contract extension with Leicestershire until the end of 2027.

The 18-year-old made his first-class debut in May 2022 and was fast-tracked into the England set-up, making his Test debut in Pakistan in December.

He has scored 423 runs in seven County Championship appearances this season and played 12 games in the T20 Blast.

"Leicestershire is a very family-like club and I think it's the best place for my development," Ahmed said.

"I started my professional career here. To pick me and back me at such a young age, it was unbelievable. 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."

Leg-spinner Ahmed took 5-48 in the second innings of his sole Test appearance so far, as England won by eight wickets in Karachi.

And he remains in their plans, having been called up for the second Ashes Test against Australia, although he did not make the final XI.

His new contract follows a two-year deal signed last week by Leicestershire opener Rishi Patel.

"Rehan extending his stay is fantastic news and a massive boost for the whole club," said director of cricket Claude Henderson.

"He brings huge exuberance every time he pulls on a Leicestershire shirt, and that positive energy translates to his team-mates.

"We have seen glimpses of what he can do on the pitch, and we are very confident there's a lot more to come from Rehan in the years to come."

Club 'very busy' working on replacing senior players

The impending departures of senior players Colin Ackermann, Callum Parkinson and Chris Wright at the end of the season has left the Foxes some important gaps to fill in their squad.

But Henderson says new deals for Patel and Ahmed are vital for preserving the side's potential.

"Rishi is a very talented player, he had a lot of flair and now is putting down the numbers. To get these young talented players to commit is brilliant," he told BBC Radio Leicester.

"It's very important to have seniority in the team, and we are very busy trying to bring in senior players.

"But people like Rishi Patel and Rehan Ahmed can take those senior roles in the changing room."

Henderson added the club are also hoping to announce some "exciting things in the next few weeks".

Plan to build a 'new Leicestershire'

One important vacancy that must be filled is finding a new head coach following Paul Nixon's departure from the role last month.

Henderson says the club are aiming to name a replacement by the end of the year, with a view to starting the job in early 2024.

"It has been a tricky time. Paul Nixon has left a lot of good things, and the decision has been made," he said.

• Listen: Talking Foxes podcast - Nixon removed as head coach

"We have to find the right leader and head coach to work with Alfonso Thomas, James Taylor and the rest of the coaching staff, and build a new Leicestershire.

"There's a lot of positivity around the place, the changing room is in a positive and happy place to do something special."