Ireland international Niall O’Brien has committed his future to Leicestershire’s new era by extending his contract by another 12 months.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has extended his current deal, which was due to expire at the end of the 2015 season, by another year.
The news provides a boost for new coach Andrew McDonald and chief executive Wasim Khan following the departure of several high-profiles players from Grace Road over the last few months.
O'Brien, a member of Ireland’s squad for the World Cup, said: “I am delighted to commit my future to Leicestershire County Cricket Club. It is the start of a new dawn at Grace Road and I am very pleased to be a part of it.
“Everybody has made me feel welcome since I arrived at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, including our loyal supporters, who have been very good to me.
“We are developing a good squad with a nice blend of youth and experience and I am really looking forward to working with Wasim Khan, Andrew McDonald, all of the coaching staff and my team-mates as we aim to have a successful season.”
O’Brien has become an integral part of Leicestershire’s side in all formats since joining from Northants in 2012.
He won the club’s cricketer of the year award after scoring 971 LV= County Championship runs at an average of 38.84 in 2014, Leicestershire's second successive season without a win in Division Two.
Khan added: “We are thrilled that Niall is the first player of this exciting new era to commit his future to Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
“We see Niall as a key figure at the club. He is a winner, has vast international experience, including representing Ireland at seven World Cups, and is a leader both in the dressing room and on the field.
“Niall’s performances were excellent last season and we look forward to him continuing to play a major role for us here at Grace Road.”