Dan Ibrahim signs full contract

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Dan Ibrahim has signed his first full professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old all-rounder has agreed a multi-year contract with the club having impressed in the first team after signing a rookie deal earlier this summer.

Part of the Sussex pathway since the age of ten, Dan became the youngest player in County Championship history to score a half-century when he made 55 on debut against Yorkshire at Headingley in June. He followed that up with another fifty a month later in his second match against Glamorgan.

The Bede’s School pupil then played all seven of Sussex Sharks’ Royal London Cup matches this season, taking six wickets and making a top score of 46 against Lancashire at Sedbergh School last month.

Reacting to his new contract, Dan said: “I was over the moon when I signed my first long-term contract with the club. It’s something I’ve dreamt of doing ever since I started playing the game and now it feels so surreal that it has happened.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. The endless driving around the country all year round and their support as well as the training my dad has given me has all helped me massively to get to where I am now.

“I would also like to thank all coaches in the pathway and especially Richard Halsall for giving me the confidence and support I have needed to make this next step.

“I’ve felt so welcomed coming into the first team. The players and staff have been great, and it’s been great to be able to spend time with Sals [Ian Salisbury] and Kirts [James Kirtley] who have helped me so much so far and given me the confidence I need to perform on this stage.

“I am really excited to see what the years to come bring. I can’t wait to continue my journey with the club and hopefully bring trophies back to Hove in the coming years.”

Sussex’s Championship & One-Day Head Coach, Ian Salisbury said: “I first saw Danial play soon after I came back to Sussex when he was an under-15. It was the same day as England won the World Cup and Dan scored his first hundred. That was the start of my realising what a very special player he can become.

“In much the same way as Archie [Lenham] and James [Coles], Dan’s temperament is just as impressive as his talent. He plays with no fear and always backs himself.

“Dan’s progress thus far is testament to that mindset, but also the club’s decision to integrate our Academy with our pro-squad as much as possible and to give first team opportunities to our promising youngsters. 

“We want to sign cricketers that can play in all three formats and Dan is one of those. Add in the fact he is a genuine all-rounder and that is absolutely priceless to any team. He’s one of a number of young guys we have like that, and I am hugely excited about where they could take Sussex in four- or five-years’ time.”

James Kirtley, Sussex’s T20 Head Coach, added: “Dan has made a great start to his career, but it's not just been his performances that have stood out but the calmness in which he has gone about his cricket with bat and ball.

“I am delighted he has signed and as with all our young players this allows us to manage not just Dan's cricket but help manage all aspects of his life and ensure our approach is player-centric. I am sure Dan will have a busy winter ahead and it is our responsibility we get this right.

“He is a gentle young man with a steely desire to do well and I look forward to working with him over the years to come and watch him perform with both bat and ball for Sussex and beyond.”