LEICESTER — Leicestershire County Cricket Club has secured a significant coup for their future, announcing the permanent signing of highly-rated all-rounder Ben Green from Somerset on a multi-year deal. The 26-year-old will officially join the Foxes on November 1st, 2025, but will first return to the Uptonsteel County Ground on a loan agreement for the concluding stages of the 2025 County Championship season, providing an immediate boost to the team's promotion ambitions.
The move brings to an end Green’s long and successful association with his home county, Somerset, where he progressed through the academy ranks to become a pivotal first-team player. Known for his powerful middle-order batting and deceptive medium-pace bowling, Green has developed into one of the most dynamic English-qualified all-rounders on the domestic circuit, making his acquisition a major statement of intent by Leicestershire's management.
A Strategic Acquisition for the Foxes
Director of Cricket Claude Henderson expressed his delight at securing Green's signature, highlighting the player's character and skill set as exactly what the club needs to build a competitive squad. "Ben is a proven match-winner with both bat and ball, and he brings a winning mentality from his time at Somerset," Henderson stated. "He is a leader on the field, and his ability to change the momentum of a game makes him an invaluable asset. Securing him on a permanent basis is a fantastic piece of business for Leicestershire."
The signing is seen as a key part of Leicestershire’s long-term strategy to climb the tables across all formats. Green’s versatility is a prized attribute; he is capable of batting anywhere in the middle order and bowling crucial overs, particularly in white-ball cricket where his variations have been highly effective. His statistics from the 2024 season underscore his value:
- Scored over 500 runs in the County Championship.
- Took 25 wickets across all first-class matches.
- Proved a key player in Somerset’s run to T20 Blast Finals Day.
The immediate loan back for the end of the 2025 season is a strategic masterstroke, allowing Green to integrate with his new teammates and contribute to what the Foxes hope will be a push for Division One cricket, providing a seamless transition into his permanent contract.
Green's Excitement for a New Challenge
For Ben Green, the decision to leave his home county was not taken lightly, but the opportunity at Leicestershire presented a compelling new chapter in his career. "It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave Somerset, the club I have represented since I was a youngster," Green said in a statement. "I will forever be grateful for my time there and to the members and fans for their support. However, I am incredibly excited by the project and ambition at Leicestershire."
He specifically cited the vision laid out by Head Coach Alfonso Thomas and Director of Cricket Claude Henderson as a major factor in his decision. "The direction the club is heading in is really positive, and I want to be a part of building something special here. I can’t wait to get started and help the team win matches."
Green’s arrival addresses a specific need for a pace-bowling all-rounder at Leicestershire, a role that provides crucial balance to the side. His ability to score quickly down the order and break partnerships with the ball will offer Captain Lewis Hill far greater flexibility in his tactics across all three formats.
Somerset's Reaction and Well Wishes
Somerset CCC released a statement thanking Green for his contributions to the club over many years. CEO Gordon Hollins wished the player well, stating, "Ben has been an outstanding servant to Somerset CCC. We understand his desire for a new challenge and thank him for everything he has done for the club. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future."
The departure of a homegrown talent is always a blow, but Somerset's production line of players remains strong. The club acknowledged that the structure of the deal, with a transfer fee involved, provides resources to reinvest in the squad moving forward.
What Green Brings to Leicestershire
Ben Green’s skill set is perfectly suited to modern cricket. He is a clean striker of the ball, capable of clearing the ropes with ease, making him a potent finisher in limited-overs cricket. With the red ball, he has developed the temperament to build innings and score vital runs under pressure. His bowling is characterized by clever changes of pace and an ability to bowl a heavy ball, making him effective on a variety of surfaces.
Beyond the statistics, his experience of winning high-pressure matches at Taunton, including in front of large Finals Day crowds, brings a valuable winning mentality to a Leicestershire squad that is hungry for success. His presence will also aid the development of the county's younger all-rounders, providing mentorship and setting a professional example.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
This signing signals a clear ambition from Leicestershire to break out of the second division and establish themselves as a consistent force in county cricket. The acquisition of a player of Green’s caliber, in his prime years, demonstrates the club's commitment to building a squad capable of challenging for trophies.
The immediate focus, however, is on the 2025 season finale. Green’s loan spell will be crucial. If he can hit the ground running and help propel the Foxes to promotion, it would be the perfect start to his long-term tenure at the club. For the members and fans at Grace Road, this signing is a tremendous cause for optimism, a tangible sign that the club is moving firmly in the right direction.
As Director of Cricket Claude Henderson succinctly put it, "This is more than just a signing; it's a message. We are building a team that Leicestershire can be proud of, and Ben Green will be at the heart of that for years to come."