Long wait ends with Division One return
Leicestershire will play in the top tier of the County Championship for the first time since 2003, ending a 23-year exile with promotion secured after their rain-hit draw against Gloucestershire. The Foxes had been the only county never to earn promotion since the Championship split into two divisions in 2000.
Their resurgence comes after years of struggle — bottom of Division Two eight times between 2009 and 2022, including four winless seasons — and questions over whether the club even deserved to retain first-class status.
“For years they laughed at us, and they mocked us. They’re not laughing anymore.”
— Alfonso Thomas, Leicestershire head coach, said in the Grace Road dressing room as he congratulated his side on promotion to Division One.
A new culture takes root
Thomas’s appointment last year, initially as interim coach alongside James Taylor, marked the turning point. He recalled a seemingly ordinary moment that made him believe something special was building.
“All the players came in together. They were chatting together, and sat down to eat together,” Thomas told the Talking Foxes podcast.
“It sounds small, but I thought then ‘we might have something’.”
That spirit of unity has defined the campaign, helping transform a squad once regarded as perennial underachievers.
Leadership that changed the tone
Richard Rae, BBC Radio Leicester’s long-serving commentator, praised Thomas’s authenticity and approach:
“He [Thomas] is so genuine,” Rae told the BBC.
“It comes from the heart. In the past, players were almost overloaded with information. He’s tried to absorb the pressure, and let the players go out and play, and enjoy themselves.”
That shift, Rae added, came at a critical moment when Leicestershire’s very future was being questioned:
“People were saying, ‘what is the point of Leicestershire?’”
Instead, the club has become a breeding ground for young England talent like Rehan Ahmed and Josh Hull, while also attracting experienced campaigners who have anchored the promotion push.
Handscomb’s steady hand
Australian Peter Handscomb, recruited as captain, has been central to that transformation. His leadership has earned plaudits inside the dressing room.
“Pete as a captain this season has been really consistent,” said all-rounder Ian Holland, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“He’s very experienced, and he has brought things together nicely.”
Holland himself has been pivotal with both bat and ball, but he emphasised that the success reflects a deeper rebuilding process.
“A lot of different things have been put right,” he said.
“You could tell the club was on an upward trajectory. It’s really come together nicely. There’s a great combination of players with a lot of experience, that really want it, and younger guys coming through. It’s just clicked.”
A team built on balance
Leicestershire’s rise has not relied on a single standout star, but on contributions across the squad. Rae highlighted the collective strength:
“I think what’s stood out is that it’s been a collective effort,” he said.
“There’s nobody from Leicestershire in the top 10 run scorers, but then everyone has made a substantial contribution. Same with the wicket takers, three players have 30 wickets, but nobody has 50.”
That depth has powered a season of six wins and just one defeat — the best record across both divisions.
Eyes on silverware
Promotion may already be secured, but Thomas has made clear the Foxes aren’t finished yet.
“We focus on winning every game of cricket we play,” he said.
“We are turning up to beat Kent next week, we are determined to go and get ourselves a trophy.”
For Thomas, the pride lies not just in the results but in what they mean for supporters and the future of the club.
“I’m just happy that we have given the fans of Leicestershire the feeling that they will watch Division One cricket last year,” he said.
“We wanted these players to challenge themselves, and be the best version of themselves. It is our jobs to open their minds to how good they can be.”
The coach believes the Foxes have not only ended years of frustration but also restored pride to Grace Road.
“They have put Leicestershire County Cricket Club back on the map.”
