Paul Farbrace commits future to Sussex Cricket

Paul Farbrace has committed his long-term future to Sussex Cricket after agreeing to become the Club's Director of Cricket from 1 November 2026.

Earlier this season, Farbrace announced he would step down as Head Coach at the end of the 2026 campaign. Under the new agreement, he will instead move into a revised part-time Director of Cricket role, providing important continuity across the Club's cricket operation while enabling Sussex to appoint a new men's first-team Head Coach.

Ed Warner, Chair of Sussex Cricket, said:

"If Sussex Cricket is going to achieve what we all want, we need outstanding people leading every part of the Club. Keeping Paul was one of my first priorities because he is exactly that.

"He has enormous experience, commands huge respect throughout the game and, above all, cares deeply about this Club. Strong organisations are built around strong people and I'm delighted Paul will continue playing such an important role as we build the next chapter of Sussex Cricket together."

Paul Farbrace said:

"When I announced earlier this season that I would be stepping down as Head Coach, I genuinely believed it was the right decision, and I still do.

"What has changed is the opportunity to continue helping Sussex Cricket in a different role. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this group of players or to everything we've worked so hard to build together. This role allows me to continue supporting the players and staff across the Club as we work towards the goals we all want to achieve.

"I'm genuinely excited and uplifted by Ed's vision, his clarity and his passion for Sussex Cricket. We're very fortunate to have someone with his wealth of knowledge and experience leading this Club and that has given me real confidence about where we're heading.

"The supporters have been brilliant to me from the day I arrived and we all want to repay them for the incredible backing they've given us. I'm looking forward to continuing to play my part as we write the Club's next chapter."

Farbrace joined Sussex in December 2022 and has overseen a period of significant progress, including promotion to Division One of the County Championship in 2024, a fourth-place finish in the Club's first season back in the top flight and a T20 Finals Day appearance.

Mark West, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Sussex Cricket, said:

"Paul has been a tremendous support throughout one of the most challenging periods in the Club's recent history and his commitment has never wavered. Retaining someone of his experience, integrity and character gives us invaluable continuity as we continue building a strong and sustainable future for Sussex Cricket. I'm delighted he'll continue to play such an important role in the Club's next chapter."

Farbrace will continue as Head Coach for the remainder of the 2026 season before taking up his revised Director of Cricket role from 1 November. Recruitment for the Club's new men's first-team Head Coach is well advanced, with a further announcement to be made in due course.