Foxes sign New Zealand's Kelly for rest of 2026

Leicestershire have signed New Zealand batter Nick Kelly for the rest of the 2026 season.

The left-hander, 32, has played 12 white-ball internationals for the Black Caps and will be available to play all formats for the Foxes from mid-May.

"I'm really excited to be joining Leicestershire. I've been following the team's positive start to the campaign, and it's clear there's a great group at the club," Kelly said., external

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me to experience county cricket for the first time."

Kelly made his ODI debut for New Zealand in March 2025 and played his first T20 international a year later and has appeared in six games in each format to date.

He has scored more than 4,500 runs in first-class cricket at an average of just under 40 with 13 centuries.

Kelly has accrued 3,151 runs in 110 List A games and is approaching 2,000 runs in T20 matches with a strike rate of 127.

He is currently taking part in New Zealand's white-ball tour of Bangladesh.

"Nick is a high-quality signing for us and someone we're really excited to bring into the group," head coach Alfonso Thomas said.

"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."

Leicestershire have drawn two and lost one on their return to the first division of the County Championship this year and take on reigning champions Nottinghamshire at Grace Road on Friday.