South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has signed with Leicestershire for the first four months of the 2026 County Championship season. The team is aiming high to secure a spot in Division One, and Maharaj’s arrival adds serious firepower to their squad.
At 35, this left-arm wizard boasts an incredible 998 wickets across all formats in his career. He’s taken 313 of those in international cricket for the World Test champions, South Africa. In first-class matches, Maharaj has snagged 632 wickets at an average of just 26.78, with his best figures coming in a stunning 9/129 against Sri Lanka back in July 2018.
But Maharaj isn’t just about bowling—he’s handy with the bat too. He’s scored nearly 6,000 runs overall, including two centuries in Test cricket, making him a true all-rounder.
This marks his third stint in county cricket. He previously shone with Lancashire and Yorkshire in Division One, grabbing 55 wickets in only eight County Championship games at an impressive average of 18.2.
Excited about the move, Maharaj shared his thoughts in a Leicestershire press release: “I’m really proud to join Leicestershire. I’ve been looking into the club’s history, and it feels like an exciting time to sign on. The boys have done exceptional work this season and built great momentum for next year. It’s early days, but we’re heading in the right direction—who knows how far this team can go?”
He added, “I love playing county cricket. The competitiveness pushes you to adapt and improve, so I can’t wait to dive in and deliver some big performances for the Foxes. I’m a competitor at heart—I stay relentless but also bring a calm vibe to the dressing room. Hopefully, I can add those qualities and help the team achieve their goals.”
Leicestershire’s Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm: “It’s fantastic to welcome Keshav. Beyond his top-class skills, he’ll bring international experience, leadership, and a real passion for the game—all key for our dressing room.”
Maharaj is the second overseas star to join Leicestershire’s push for a Division One return in 2026, teaming up with Australian batter Peter Handscomb for the campaign. Cricket fans are already buzzing about what this duo could achieve.
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