Raheem Ahmed Signs Two-Year Rookie Contract With Leicestershire
Four years after Leicestershire released him from their academy, 23-year-old left-arm seamer Raheem Ahmed has signed a two-year rookie contract with the club, Cricinfo reported on Friday November 13, 2026.
The deal reunites Raheem with his younger brother Rehan, an England legspinner currently on the county’s books. Their sibling Farhan plays as an offspinner for Nottinghamshire, making the Ahmed family a rare fixture across contemporary English county cricket.
Unlike his brothers who secured professional terms as teenagers, Raheem spent the past four seasons playing club cricket for Cavaliers and Carrington in the Nottinghamshire Premier League. He also featured for both Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire second XIs while working toward a professional contract.
Prior to making his Test debut in Pakistan, Rehan spoke about his older brother’s abilities in 2022. “He’s very good,” Rehan said then, according to Cricinfo. “I’m not just saying it, because I’d never say it in front of him, but he’s actually quite good – better than he thinks he is, anyway.”
Leicestershire announced the signing alongside deals for left-arm spinner Ali Farooq, an England Under-19 international, and seamer Theo Marshall. Jigar Naik, the head of Leicestershire’s talent pathway, addressed the new additions on Friday.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch Ali and Theo progress through the pathway and take their opportunities in the Second XI,” Naik told Cricinfo. “It’s also particularly pleasing to see Raheem earn a contract after leaving the Academy in 2022. He’s worked hard to get back into the professional game and can be proud of what he’s achieved.”
Naik added that all three players “have put a lot of work into getting here, and it’s a proud moment for them and the coaches who’ve supported them along the way.”
While three brothers playing simultaneously remains unusual in county cricket, precedent exists within the domestic game. Ben Curran previously spent several seasons with Northamptonshire while brothers Tom and Sam represented Surrey, before Ben later committed internationally to Zimbabwe.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.