Leicestershire have announced that Peter Handscomb will not be available to captain the side this summer. The Australia batter has, however, signed an extension to his contract to cover the 2027 season.
Handscomb, 34, led Leicestershire to promotion back to Division One of the County Championship last season, scoring 601 runs at 40.06 in 11 games. He missed the last month of the season, returning home to prepare with Victoria - who he is currently captaining in the Sheffield Shield final - but will not now fulfil his 2026 contract with Leicestershire due to personal reasons.
He will remain as club captain, with Leicestershire in the process of appointing a stand-in for the Championship. Allrounder Ian Holland did the job for the last three games of 2025, as the club confirmed their place in the top tier for the first time since 2003.
"It's difficult to miss the season, but family must take priority," Handscomb said. "I'm grateful for the club's understanding and support. I'm honoured to remain club captain and I'm excited to return in 2027. I'll be following the lads closely and fully believe in what this group can achieve."
Claude Henderson, Leicestershire's director of cricket, said: "While we're naturally disappointed that Pete cannot join us for the 2026 season, we fully support his decision to put his family first. He is an exceptional leader and an outstanding professional, and we are thrilled that he will remain club captain and continue his journey with us into 2027."
Leicestershire will begin their Division One campaign by hosting Sussex at Grace Road in the first round of the Championship, which starts on Friday.
