Pakistan quick Mohammad Abbas will return to Leicestershire as their chief overseas player in 2019, the club have confirmed.

The 28-year-old took 50 scalps for the Foxes in County Championship Division Two this season at an average of 17.72, and will be available for the four-day competition and the 50-over One-Day Cup next term.

It represents a major coup for Leicestershire, with Abbas named Man of the Series during Pakistan’s visit of England earlier this year, which ended 1-1. He took 10 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls at Lord’s.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Leicestershire,” he told the club website. “I’ve relished the chance to be a senior bowler and I’m looking forward to coming back next year.”