Ajinkya Rahane has pulled out of his Leicestershire deal which would have seen him play in the One-Day Cup starting in August.
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Leicestershire had signed a deal with Rahane before the 2023 domestic season which was supposed to see him play eight County Championship games after IPL 2023 and for the entirety of the One-Day Cup in August.
However, Rahane’s good form in the last edition of the Ranji Trophy and in IPL 2023 meant that he was recalled into the Test side for the World Test Championship Final against Australia. He joined the India team straight after the IPL final and turned out to be the top performer for India with the bat, scoring 89 and 43 in the two innings of the final.
His comeback to the national side meant that his stint with Leicestershire was delayed. Soon after, Rahane was announced in the Test squad for the West Indies tour and was even given the vice-captaincy following his good show in the WTC Final.
When the deal was made between Rahane and Leicestershire, he was out of the national side and international commitments weren’t factored into his schedule, as explained by the club in a statement.
Now he has made a comeback and has had two back-to-back tours of England and West Indies right after the IPL, Rahane expressed his desire to the club to take a break from the game during August and September, which the club has agreed to.
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Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson said in a statement that they understand Rahane’s position and were prepared for such an event given how quickly things change in cricket: “Firstly, we are fully understanding of Ajinkya’s situation. He has experienced a hectic schedule in recent months, both in India and travelling with the national team, and we accept his wishes to recover and spend some time with his family.
“We have been in constant communication with Ajinkya and accept how situations can change quickly in cricket. He is extremely grateful for our understanding and still hopes to play for Leicestershire one day.”
Peter Handscomb, who has been part of the Leicestershire squad for the County Championship as well as the T20 Blast this season, has replaced Rahane and will now continue to stay on with the club for the One-Day Cup.
Henderson added: “Thankfully, we had planned for a situation like this, and we are delighted Peter is staying on with the team. He brings many qualities alongside his batting and wicketkeeping, including strong leadership, which is a massive help to Lewis [Hill] and the rest of the guys in our changing room.”
