MANCHESTER — Lancashire County Cricket Club has moved to secure the future of one of its brightest young talents, awarding all-rounder Arav Shetty a new two-year contract extension. The deal, announced at the conclusion of the 2025 domestic season, rewards the 22-year-old for a series of mature and impactful performances that have marked him as a key component of the Red Rose’s plans across all formats.
Shetty, a product of the club’s academy system, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025, transitioning from a promising prospect to a reliable first-team contributor. His ability to contribute meaningfully with both bat and ball, coupled with his athleticism in the field, provided Lancashire with crucial balance and flexibility. The new contract, which will keep him at Emirates Old Trafford until at least the end of the 2027 season, is a significant show of faith in his development trajectory.
A Breakthrough Season in 2025
The 2025 season served as the definitive platform for Shetty to announce his arrival. While he had shown glimpses of his potential in previous years, this summer was defined by consistency and clutch performances. His season was highlighted by a maiden first-class century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, a gritty innings that showcased not just technical proficiency but considerable mental fortitude. In white-ball cricket, his power-hitting in the middle order and clever variations with his seam bowling made him a regular feature in the Vitality Blast and One-Day Cup sides.
Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, was effusive in his praise for Shetty’s progress. "Arav has worked incredibly hard on his game over the last 18 months, and we’ve seen that dedication translate into performances where it matters most—out in the middle," Chilton stated. "He possesses a fantastic cricket brain, understands situations well, and has that invaluable quality of wanting to be involved when the game is in the balance. Securing his future was a priority for us."
The All-Round Package
What makes Shetty such an attractive prospect for Lancashire is the genuine nature of his all-round skills. He is not merely a batsman who bowls a few overs, or a bowler who can swing a bat. His development has been carefully managed to ensure both disciplines progress in tandem.
- With the Bat: A right-handed middle-order batsman, Shetty combines solid defence with a wide range of attacking strokes. He is particularly strong square of the wicket and has shown an increasing ability to accelerate an innings in the limited-overs formats.
- With the Ball: A skilful right-arm medium-fast bowler, he excels at hitting hard lengths and has developed a potent slower ball and cutter, making him a difficult proposition in T20 cricket.
- In the Field: An agile fielder, he is often deployed in key positions, either saving runs in the ring or patrolling the boundary with a safe pair of hands.
This multi-dimensional skill set is gold dust in the modern game, where squad depth and player flexibility are paramount. Head Coach, Dale Benkenstein, highlighted this value, saying, "In today’s congested calendar, having players who can win you games in multiple ways is non-negotiable. Arav gives us options and allows us to structure our side differently depending on the opposition and conditions."
Academy Graduate Success Story
Shetty’s journey is a testament to the strength of Lancashire’s academy pathway. Born in Preston, he joined the club’s age-group system as a teenager and progressed through the ranks, captaining the Second XI and impressing with his leadership qualities. His rise mirrors that of teammates like George Balderson and Jack Blatherwick, who have also graduated from the academy to become first-team regulars, underscoring a successful homegrown strategy at Emirates Old Trafford.
The club has invested heavily in its youth development, and Shetty’s new contract is seen as a reward for that system’s efficacy. "It’s always a special moment when a local lad who has come through our system earns a new deal," Chilton added. "It sends a great message to every young cricketer in our region about the opportunities that exist here if you apply yourself."
Ambitions for the Future
For Shetty, the new contract is both a reward and a challenge. It provides security and validation but also comes with the expectation of further improvement and greater responsibility. In a statement released by the club, the all-rounder expressed his delight and his ambitions. "Lancashire is my home club, and there’s no place I’d rather play my cricket," Shetty said.
"The last year has been amazing, and I’ve learned so much from the senior players and coaching staff. Getting this new deal is a dream come true, but it’s just the start. I want to build on last season, become a more consistent performer, and help Lancashire win trophies. We came close in a couple of competitions this year, and that hunger to get over the line is stronger than ever."
A Key Piece of the Lancashire Jigsaw
The contract extension for Shetty is a strategically important piece of business for Lancashire as they plan for the 2026 season and beyond. With the potential for further changes in the squad, retaining a versatile, homegrown, and improving player is crucial. He represents the bridge between the club’s established stars and the next generation of talent, embodying the blend of youth and experience that successful sides are built upon.
As the domestic cricket landscape continues to evolve, with the intensity of franchise tournaments and a packed schedule, players of Shetty’s ilk are increasingly valuable. His ability to contribute across all three formats makes him a sustainable asset, reducing the need for Lancashire to seek multiple specialist replacements for different competitions.
Conclusion: A Reward Earned
Lancashire’s decision to hand Arav Shetty a two-year contract is a clear and justified endorsement of his development and potential. It is a deal born out of performance, not promise. His contributions in 2025 demonstrated a player ready for the rigours of professional cricket, one who thrives under pressure and embraces the all-rounder’s role. For the club, it secures a prized asset; for the player, it provides the platform to build a lasting legacy at his boyhood county.
The message from Emirates Old Trafford is unequivocal: Arav Shetty is a central figure in Lancashire’s future. As the Red Rose look to end their wait for major silverware—their last County Championship title was in 2011—they will be hoping that Shetty’s continued ascent can help provide the missing pieces to complete that puzzle. The hard work, as he acknowledges, is only just beginning.