Leicestershire Promoted to County Championship Division One After 22 Years

Leicestershire secured promotion to Division One of the County Championship for the first time since 2003 after a rain-affected draw against Gloucestershire. The result, combined with a draw between Middlesex and Derbyshire, ensures Leicestershire cannot finish outside the top two in Division Two, ending a 22-year absence from the top flight. Despite previous struggles, including eight seasons finishing bottom of Division Two and several winless campaigns, Leicestershire dominated the 2025 season, winning six matches and benefiting from strong performances by players like Peter Handscomb and Rehan Ahmed. The team was chasing 316 runs when rain halted play at 93 for one, confirming their promotion with two matches remaining. This marks their first promotion since the County Championship adopted the two-division format in 2000, signaling a significant turnaround for the club. Leicestershire now aim to secure the Division Two title in their remaining games.