NATWEST T20 BLAST

Leicestershire sign Luke Ronchi as Sharjeel's replacement

by Rob Johnston • Published on

Ronchi will be available for Leicestershire's all14 group games. © Getty

Leicestershire have announced the signing of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi as their second overseas player for this season's Natwest T20 Blast, on Wednesday (March 15).

Ronchi will be available for all 14 group games and has been signed to replace Pakistani batsman Sharjeel Khan, originally signed for the role, who was charged with breaching the anti-corruption code during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Ronchi, 35, has scored 1,619 runs in Twenty20 cricket at a strike rate of 141.89 and has played 110 limited-overs games for New Zealand in addition to four Tests. He played in the recent One-Day International series against South Africa but had a poor time with the bat, scoring just nine runs in three matches.

The explosive batsman has played county cricket before for Somerset and Warwickshire. "I am delighted to have signed with Leicestershire Foxes for the NatWest T20 Blast. I love playing county cricket and can't wait to get started with my new teammates," said Ronchi.

"It seems like an exciting time at the club with a few personnel changes and talented additions to the squad. I hope I can make a difference both on and off the field and contribute to a successful campaign."

Last season, Leicestershire finished at the bottom of the North group in the Natwest T20 Blast, winning just four of their fourteen games, and fared little better in the 50-over competition, winning just two of eight games. Ronchi will be joined by South African batsmen Cameron Delport as Leicestershire's other overseas player as they attempt to do better this time out.

Leicestershire Head Coach Pierre de Bruyn said: "We're delighted to sign Luke, who will offer power and dynamism to our batting line-up. He has played a lot of games around the world and his experience in the shortest format of the game will also help our youngsters.

"We are determined to improve in white ball cricket in 2017 and Luke will help us to do that in NatWest T20 Blast. Luke has played for a very good New Zealand side over the last few years and we are excited about him joining us in July."

© Cricbuzz

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