Abi Sakande to leave Sussex after turning down new contract

The 24-year-old made his first-team debut for the county in 2016, going on to play 14 first-class games for the club, as well as 10 List A matches

Abi Sakande is to leave Sussex at the end of the season after turning down a contract extension.

The 24-year-old made his first-team debut for the county in 2016, going on to play 14 first-class games for the club, as well as 10 List A games. He took 39 wickets, including a single five-wicket haul that came against the touring South Africa A.

He said of his departure: “I am genuinely sad to be leaving Sussex, as this is where I grew up and began my journey as a professional cricketer.

“I turned down an extension because given the strength of Sussex's bowling line-up, I will have a better chance of achieving my ambitions in all formats elsewhere.

“I am disappointed that this season hasn't gone as well as I would have liked, but I am hugely grateful for the opportunities I have been given to play at Sussex, and I am confident that my best performances are still ahead of me. 

“I owe a massive amount to all of the coaches & support staff who have selflessly assisted in my development over the years, and I thank my fantastic teammates for everything we've shared. I hope to stay in touch and look forward to meeting again on and off the field.”

Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie added: “Abi’s first team opportunities have been a little limited here and like all players he wants to be playing as much as possible.

“He’s a model professional who is desperate to show what he can do at first team level. We wish him all the best as he seeks out opportunities to do that at another club.”