Cheteshwar Pujara and Daniel Hughes sign

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the re-signing of India Test batter, Cheteshwar Pujara and Australian batter, Daniel Hughes as overseas signings for the 2024 season.

Fan favourite Cheteshwar Pujara will return to The 1st Central County Ground for a third season running and will be available for the first seven County Championship games.

Thereafter, Daniel Hughes will be available from the start of the T20 Vitality Blast until the end of the season. He will play in the County Championship, as well as the Blast.

However, Sussex Head Coach, Paul Farbrace has opted not to use overseas players in this year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup.

The two batters will complement the two overseas bowlers, Jayden Seales and Nathan McAndrew who have also signed for the Club for the 2024 campaign.

Pujara returns

The man that needs no introduction at Hove is back once again. In his 18 County Championship appearances for Sussex, Pujara has accumulated an astonishing 1863 runs at average of 64.24, including eight centuries and three half-centuries.

His highest score for Sussex came against Derbyshire in 2022 when he made 231, when he shared a stand of 351 with Tom Haines, who also chalked up a double century.

In 2023, his highest score of 151 came against Gloucestershire, a knock that included 20 fours and two sixes.

Speaking on his delight at returning to Sussex, Pujara said: "I have enjoyed my time at Hove the last couple of seasons and couldn’t be more delighted to be back again with the Sussex family.

"I am looking forward to joining the team and contributing to its success."

On bringing Puj back again, Sussex Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, said: “I am delighted that Cheteshwar is returning to Hove again for the first two months of the season.

“He is not just a high-quality player but is also a high-quality person. His experience and calmness in matches is a fantastic asset for our team.”

Hughes brings runs at the top of the order

An aggressive top-order batsman, Daniel Hughes forced his way into his current New South Wales Blues side on sheer weight of runs.

In first-class cricket, Hughes averages 36.90 with a best knock of 178. In his 137 innings, Hughes has gone on to 26 half-centuries and eight centuries.

Hughes claimed his second Steve Waugh Medal in 2019-20 after receiving his first in 2017-18. The Blues and Sydney Sixers opener also claimed the NSW Blues Marsh One-Day Cup Player of the Season award.

In T20 cricket Hughes has accumulated 2204 runs in 93 innings at a strike rate of 120.89 and has been part of the Sydney Sixers team that won back-to-back Big Bash League titles in 2020 and 2021.

Speaking on joining fellow Australian, Nathan McAndrew at Sussex, Hughes said: “Playing county cricket has been a long-held ambition for me. I am delighted to get that opportunity at Sussex.

“I respect the strong traditions of the Club. The plans that exist for team are exciting and I look forward to getting to Hove and helping Sussex with success along the way”.

Commenting on the acquisition of Hughes, Paul Farbrace said: “We are all very pleased to welcome Dan to Hove, he is a top-class player and has vast amounts of experience.

“We are all very much looking forward to working him and enjoying how he helps our team on and off the field.” 

2024 Memberships

Join Good Old Sussex by the Sea to ensure your seat at all County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup games, plus, a whole range of additional benefits, such as guest passes and discounts on food and drink in Sussex Cricket bars (Griegs and Pavilion). 

Once you've purchased your membership, all that is left to do is keep an eye out for the 2024 fixtures and plan your summer full of action-packed cricket at The 1st Central County Ground. 

Membership packs will be sent out to all members prior to the 2024 season getting underway.

To find out more, visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/2024-membership

2024 Blast Pass

T20 blast passes for next summer are selling quickly, with over 70% already sold!

It may be 5 months until the blast gets underway but why not secure your seat for all 7 home vitality blast group games at an unbeatable price!

To find out more, visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/t20-blast-pass