Josh Blake to leave Surrey for Leicestershire at end of 2026 season
The wicketkeeper-batter, who turned professional only in 2022, has signed a multi-year contract with Leicestershire ahead of the winter transfer window.
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Josh Blake will depart Surrey at the close of the 2026 season after committing to a multi-year contract with another county, the Kia Oval announced on September 10, 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter, who turns 28 on September 18, is understood to be joining Leicestershire.
Blake's path into professional cricket was anything but straightforward. He featured in Surrey's age-group set-up as a youngster but stepped away from the professional pathway at 15. Through his early 20s he channelled his energy into coaching roles with the Surrey Cricket Foundation and Chance to Shine before his performances for Sutton CC and Surrey's second XI persuaded the county to hand him his first professional contract in 2022, when he was 23. Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart paid tribute to Blake's unconventional journey
"Josh is a shining example for every cricketer out there that hard work, commitment and dedication can earn you a route into the pro game. He's earnt the chance that he's had here at Surrey but it makes sense for him to take the opportunity to play regular first-team cricket in all formats. I want to thank Josh for his time at the club and wish him the very best for the future at his new county," said Stewart as quoted by Cricinfo.
"It has been an honour to represent my boyhood club for the last four years and I'm hugely grateful to everyone at Surrey for giving me the opportunity to play professional cricket and prove myself in the county game. I never gave up on my dream of making a career out of playing the game and I have made some incredible memories that will stay with me for a long, long time," said Blake.
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Why is Blake leaving Surrey?
Regular first-team cricket across all formats appears to be the central motivation behind Blake's decision. His appearances at Surrey have been concentrated in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, though he has featured more prominently in the County Championship over the past month as opportunities arose.
"Whilst it is difficult to move on from the county that I first represented as a nine-year-old, I believe that this is the best opportunity for me to continue to progress my career and to develop as a cricketer. I remain totally committed to Surrey until the end of the season but I am excited about my future in the game," said Blake.
His recent form will have strengthened his case at any interested county. Blake contributed an unbeaten 43 off 183 balls from No. 4 to help Surrey clinch a one-wicket victory over Yorkshire last week, a knock that underlined the patience and temperament he has built since turning professional.
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What does Blake's departure mean for the county wicketkeeper market?
Blake's move is one of several expected changes among county wicketkeepers this winter. Ben Cox is anticipated to leave Leicestershire, while John Simpson is likely to move on from Sussex, leaving multiple clubs searching for replacements at the same time.
Nottinghamshire are also understood to be seeking an England-qualified wicketkeeper after calling on Kyle Verreynne and Mitch Hay during the 2026 season. Glamorgan face a parallel challenge as they look to fill the gap left by the retirement of Chris Cooke. Blake's confirmed availability and his recent Championship form place him among the more attractive options in what is shaping up to be a busy winter transfer period for the position.
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