Pujara and Rizwan Awarded County Caps

Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan became the 150th and 151st players to receive their Sussex County Caps before making their debuts against Derbyshire today.

With over 95 Test matches and 6700 first class runs to his name, Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara signed for Sussex to play in both the LV= Insurance County Championship and Royal London Cup. Pujara brings a wealth of cricketing experience having played at the top for over 10 years, averaging 43.87 in Test matches and 50.59 in First-Class cricket.

Pakistan international Mohammad Rizwan is widely regarded as one of the best wicket-keeper batters in world cricket and is currently the vice-captain of the Pakistan Test team. Rizwan has had a meteoric rise to the top of the game in the past two years, a rise that arguable began when he was voted player of the series in against England in a Test series in 2020. 

As well as the LV= Insurance County Championship, Rizwan will represent Sussex Sharks in the T20 Vitality Blast.

Both overseas players not only bring world-class attributes on the field but have also been recognised for their contributions to dressing rooms off the field, a key factor in the decision for Sussex to sign them for the 2022 season, but also in the decision to award them the prestigious County Caps.

Commenting on the decision to award Pujara and Rizwan their caps, Performance Director, Keith Greenfield said: “Both Puj and Rizwan certainly surpass the criteria required to be awarded a County Cap at Sussex. Pujara is an extremely experienced cricketer with nearly 100 tests to his name, and Rizwan is a hugely important figure for Pakistan, which is reflected by his appointment as their Test vice-captain.

“Off the field they are both already showing what great people they are and I know they will have a positive influence on the rest of the team.”

Head Coach, Ian Salisbury added: “It is not only an honour to have such world-class cricketers in our side, but it is also a huge honour to be able to recognise their standing and achievements in the game by awarding both Puj and Rizwan their County Caps.

“I am so excited to have them both around, as are the rest of the team and I am looking forward to seeing the impact they have on and off the field.”