Blair Tickner is set to rejoin Derbyshire for the 2025 season on an all-format contract.

The New Zealand pacer featured in seven matches for the county last summer across the Vitality Blast and County Championship but returned home early after his wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with leukemia. With Sarah now recovering, Tickner is set to play the full season, subject to international commitments.

A seasoned Black Caps player with 34 appearances and a Test debut against England in 2023, the 31-year-old is currently in excellent form in New Zealand's domestic circuit. He ranks among the top wicket-takers, with 13 scalps in the Plunket Shield, 11 in the Ford Trophy, and nine in the Super Smash this season.

Derbyshire's head of cricket, Mickey Arthur, said: "We never got to see the best of Blair in his first spell with us, there was a lot going on off the field, but he was the consummate professional and we were always eager to bring him back for 2025.

"His record deserved to be better last season, we dropped chances off his bowling and if we take those, his average comes right down. I'm confident we will be better in that regard in 2025, and Blair should reap the rewards, because he's a very good bowler.

"With the likes of Zak Chappell, Harry Moore, Pat Brown and Blair all vying to take the new ball, I'm very excited about our attack in 2025."

Tickner added: "Despite everything, I loved my first spell with Derbyshire and I've kept in touch with the players and coaches, the club have supported me massively and I'm looking forward to getting back to England and showing what I can do.

"I think everyone would agree that I have unfinished business with Derbyshire, I couldn't show my quality first time around and I'm coming back hungry to do just that and win games for the county."