Leicestershire CCC sign New Zealand batter Nick Kelly for 2026 season

Leicestershire County Cricket Club is pleased to announce the signing of New Zealand batter Nick Kelly for the 2026 season.

Kelly will join the Foxes from mid-May and will be available across all three formats - the Rothesay County Championship, Metro Bank One Day Cup, and Vitality T20 Blast - strengthening the squad for the remainder of the campaign.

The left-hander arrives with an impressive record across formats. In first-class cricket, Kelly has scored 4,646 runs at an average of 39.04, including 13 centuries and a career-best 234*. In List A cricket, he has accumulated 3,151 runs at 30.89, with five hundreds and 24 half-centuries, while in T20 cricket he has registered 1,884 runs at a strike rate of 127.03, highlighting his ability to impact the game in all formats.

Kelly also brings international pedigree, having recently become the 13th player to captain New Zealand in T20 internationals, underlining both his leadership qualities and standing within the game.

Speaking on the move, Nick Kelly said:
“I’m really excited to be joining Leicestershire for the rest of the 2026 season. I’ve been following the team’s positive start to the campaign, and it’s clear there’s a great group at the club. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to experience county cricket for the first time, and I’m looking forward to contributing in all formats. I can’t wait to get over to Uptonsteel Grace Road, meet the players and supporters, and play my part in what promises to be an exciting season.”

Leicestershire Head Coach Alfonso Thomas added:
“Nick is a high-quality signing for us and someone we’re really excited to bring into the group. His record across all formats is excellent, particularly in first-class cricket where nearly 5,000 runs at close to 40 shows his consistency and class.

“He’s a versatile batter who can adapt to different situations, and his experience in white-ball cricket will be a real asset for us in the One Day Cup and T20 Blast. On top of that, captaining New Zealand in T20 internationals speaks volumes about his character and leadership.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him in May and are confident he’ll make a strong impact for us during the second half of the season.”

Kelly will link up with the squad in mid-May as Leicestershire continue their 2026 campaign across all competitions.

Be there this summer to see Nick in action: click here.