Worcestershire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that key all-rounder Matthew Waite has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
The 29-year-old has committed to a three-year deal until the end of the 2027 season, with an option for an additional year based on appearances. His extension follows those of Gareth Roderick and Adam Hose, who also signed new three-year contracts earlier this winter.
Since joining Worcestershire on loan from Yorkshire before making a permanent move, Waite has made a significant impact with both bat and ball. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 998 first-class runs and taken 45 wickets, while also making valuable contributions in white-ball cricket.
His standout performances include the best-ever T20 bowling figures for the Rapids (5-21 against Leicestershire Foxes at New Road) and a remarkable display of power-hitting when he struck five sixes in an over off George Garton of Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston.
Waite credits the club’s culture and dressing-room environment as key factors in Worcestershire’s success and is now targeting a third consecutive season in Division One—something the club has never achieved since the Championship split into two divisions.
Waite: “I’m Over the Moon to Sign This Contract”
Reflecting on his decision to extend his stay, Waite said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to sign this contract—a three-year deal with the potential for a fourth year if I play a certain number of games.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first couple of years at the club. The culture and atmosphere in the dressing room are fantastic, and it’s just a great team to be part of. A lot of the lads have said last year was the most enjoyable season they’ve had.
“We faced some tough challenges, but we pulled together, which made it even more rewarding. Personally, it’s been great to show what I’m capable of. Earlier in my career, I didn’t always get opportunities, so it’s been nice to prove to myself that I can perform at this level and push for even bigger things in the coming years.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Waite is excited about Worcestershire’s ambitions, “This is a huge year for the club. The challenge now is to stay in Division One for a third straight season, something Worcestershire has never done since the two-tier system began.
“Last year’s sixth-place finish was the highest we’ve managed in the current format, and we want to build on that. Staying up again would be a massive success and could have a long-term impact on the club. If potential signings see Worcestershire as an established Division One side rather than a yo-yo club, it makes us a more attractive destination.”
Richardson: “Waite’s Impact Has Been Outstanding”
Head Coach Alan Richardson also expressed his delight at Waite’s contract extension “We’re absolutely delighted. Matthew has made a fantastic impact, both on and off the pitch, since arriving from Yorkshire. He should be really proud of that, and we’ve certainly benefited hugely from his contributions.
“For us, securing key players for the long term is crucial, and Matthew is a big part of our plans moving forward. He has the potential to be an exceptionally durable cricketer, and he’s worked incredibly hard on his fitness this winter, showing a real hunger to keep improving.”
Richardson highlighted Waite’s versatility across formats, “He has already played 21 of our last 28 County Championship matches, along with a large chunk of white-ball cricket. He’s shown how valuable he is in all formats, and we saw last season the kind of impact he can have with both bat and ball.
“He’s constantly developing as a player, growing in confidence, and gaining experience. We’re really excited to see how he continues to progress, and keeping him at Worcestershire long-term is a fantastic result for the club.”
