Spinner Keshav Maharaj joins Leicestershire to improve his game

Published - 12 Sept 2025, 23:26 IST | Updated - 12 Sept 2025, 23:43 IST

No. 1 ODI spinner from South Africa, Keshav Maharaj, has signed for Leicestershire for the first four months of the 2026 English domestic season. Leicestershire will mark their return to the first division of the County Championships after a 22-year exile. The Proteas cricketer has previously played for Lancashire in 2018 and Yorkshire in 2019.

The left-arm spinner had recently spoken about how he enjoyed playing county cricket and his eagerness on representing Leicestershire in the future. Maharaj has claimed 55 wickets across a total of eight County Championship appearances.

"The boys have done some exceptional work throughout the season and have built some great momentum heading into next year. I love playing county cricket. The competitiveness helps you adapt and improve your game, so I can't wait to get stuck into that challenge and hopefully put in some big performances for the Foxes," stated Maharaj, as quoted by BBC Sport.

"Alongside his exceptional cricketing abilities, he will bring vast international experience, leadership skills, and a huge passion for the game," said Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson. All of [that] will be fundamental to our changing room," Leicestershire's Director of Cricket Claude Henderson acknowledged.

Maharaj has become the second overseas cricketer to sign for Leicestershire. Skipper Peter Handscomb recently signed a one-year deal at the club. Leicestershire last played in the top flight in 2003. They are currently ranked first in Division Two of the ongoing County Championship.

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The latest development as for Maharaj is that he has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series for South Africa against England. He has been sidelined due to a groin injury, which had not allowed him to take part in the opening game as well, however, the degree of injury has now made him unavailable for the remaining two games as well. He did well in the ODIs, where the visitors won 2-1, and also stands as the top-ranked bowler in the format.

Next, he is expected to be in international action for the upcoming series against Pakistan, followed by the one against India, where the Proteas will be travelling to the subcontinent for games across format, starting October. Maharaj will be keen to prove his mettle with strong performances upon his comeback to the national set-up.