Matt Breetzke will return to Northamptonshire in 2025, joining for the first 8 Vitality County Championship fixtures and the entirety of the Vitality Blast group stage.

Breetzke, who was the top run scorer for the Steelbacks in the Blast, finished with 460 runs at an average of 38 and played a crucial role in ensuring quarter-final qualification.

Now returning for a longer stint in 2025, Breetzke is excited for another spell with the county and has strong ambitions for the side.

“I’m delighted to sign with Northamptonshire for the 2025 season,” Breetzke said.

“I really enjoyed my time at the club this year. I think the team has a lot of potential to push for promotion as well as go a few steps further in the Blast and win it.

“I’m looking forward to helping the team and hopefully achieving many more victories along the way.”

Highlights in the blast saw Breetzke hit a T20 career-best of 94 against Derbyshire Falcons and a memorable innings at Emirates Old Trafford against Lancashire Lightning to secure a home quarter-final.

Breetzke’s impressive form during 2024 also earned him a call up to captain South Africa ‘A’ in their series against Sri Lanka ‘A’. The 25-year-old hit 129 against the Sri Lanka ‘A’ in a first-class game and is currently on the fringes of a test debut, having been named in the South Africa squad for their tour of the West Indies back in August and their upcoming tour of Bangladesh later this month.

The South African has an impressive first-class record, averaging nearly 38 across 53 matches, including a high score of 188.

Chief Executive Ray Payne was thrilled with the impact that Breetzke had on the side this year and is delighted to get him back on board for next season.

“Matt made an outstanding contribution to the team in 2024 and we’re delighted that he will be returning to Northamptonshire in 2025.

“His performance in the Vitality Blast match at Old Trafford in July will live long in the memory and we know he will be a strong addition to our squad in both red and white-ball cricket next year.

“On top of that, Matt is a consummate professional and an excellent role model for the younger members of our squad and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him back.”