Lancashire Signs Kiwi Duo For T20 Blast

In preparation for the 2023 season, Lancashire has confirmed the dual signing of Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme.

The all-rounders will be ready to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season after signing international contracts with the Red Rose.

Colin De Grandhomme, 36, will be allowed to participate in the first four County Championship games before being joined by fellow countryman Mitchell, who will arrive before to their May 11 meeting against Somerset.

Both will be available to Lancashire Lightning for the duration of the Blast, and Mitchell’s arrival will coincide with New Zealand’s preparations for its August and September white-ball tour of England.

Daryl Mitchell has played 90 first-class matches and amassed 5,038 runs. He has also amassed over 3,000 runs in T20 cricket, including 14 fifties, and played for Middlesex in the 2021 Vitality Blast.

Last summer, the 31-year-old had an incredible tour of England, striking a century in each of the three Test matches. However, his team couldn’t win the series.

The seasoned De Grandhomme has played for clubs like the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Adelaide Strikers in the IPL and Big Bash, respectively, and has scored more than 4,000 runs in T20 events, taken 212 first-class wickets, and recorded 15 centuries.

Here’s What Players Said About Joining Lancashire

Mitchell told the Lancashire website: “I am delighted to be joining Lancashire this English summer. The county has a proud history and having lived in Manchester as a child for a couple of years – it’s special to return in this way.

“I had a taste of the Vitality Blast and County Championship with Middlesex in 2021 and I am really looking forward to trying to make contributions in both competitions for Lancashire this summer. The chance to test my skills again in two strong competitions is exciting as a player.”

Retired international De Grandhomme also commented: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of playing for Lancashire this season. I’ve loved playing county cricket previously and I can’t wait to get to England in April to kick off the season with the Red Rose.

“Lancashire has an exciting squad who have been so close to silverware in the last couple of years, hopefully I can help to add some experience to the dressing room so that we can go one step further this season.”