Colin Ackermann, Leicestershire's white-ball captain, has signed a new three-year deal that will keep him at Grace Road until at least the end of the 2023 season.

Ackermann's new deal followed an impressive 2019 season, the improbable highlight of which was his world-record T20 return of 7 for 18 against Birmingham Bears.

"I am very pleased to have extended my contract by another three years," Ackermann said. "I have really enjoyed my time here at the Fischer County Ground over the last three years so long may that continue."

It was a tough season for Leicestershire, who finished bottom of their respective tables in each of the three county competitions. However, Ackermann is adamant that better things are in prospect for the club.

"There have been quite a few [personal highlights] in the T20 side of things, and we have had a few good victories over Notts [Outlaws] in the last few years," he said. "We have definitely shown that we can beat the top teams in our North Group, which is fantastic to see.

"We are a young squad and it is fantastic to see the local and younger guys to have that opportunity to make a name for themselves."

Ackermann is the fifth Leicestershire player to sign a new deal in the off-season, after Dieter Klein, Harry Swindells, Sam Evans and Harry Dearden. "It shows that the club is putting a lot of faith in the younger group of lads, which is fantastic," he said.

"It is obviously not all going to come together right now but, in a year, or two's time with the likes of Harry Dearden and Sam Evans having another year under their belt - it bodes well for the future."

Ackermann made 675 runs at 35.52, and took 12 wickets in the County Championship. He also made 428 runs at 61.14 and took five wickets in the Royal London One-Day Cup, as well as 342 runs at 28.50 and 12 wickets at 6.04 in the Vitality Blast.