We're 31 days away from the first delivery of pre-season when Kent venture over to Hove for a two-day friendly commencing on Thursday, 19 March. Yesterday's deluge might not be too much cause for optimism, yet as we head into March we hope the clouds above will clear. But, zooming out a little, it's that time to cast the magnifying glass over our Sussex players abroad, two of whom are currently engaged in the T20 World Cup. Let's start there... 

Jofra Archer

In the heart of the action earlier this morning in England's tetchy win over Italy, Archer took two wickets in the first over of Italy's innings in stunning style, but those would prove to be the only scalps of the match for the fast bowler.

He's taken a wicket in every match of England's tournament thus far, though has been relatively expensive in the process. Still, after three wins from the opening four matches, England have now secured a place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.

Anna Buckle

Back in the win column following a streak of defeats, Buckle's performances with the ball in hand have remained consistently strong with her bowling capabilities once again on display in yesterday's win over Sydney University.

Opening the bowling and leading from the front, her 10 over spell spawned a wicket and went for just 25 runs as the opponents accumulated just 130 runs from their 50 overs. This was chased with relative ease as the hosts wrapped up the win with over six overs to spare, Buckle at the crease at the end to help them over the line. 

Oli Carter

Switching from Sturt to the Sabres to feature in the City of Newcastle Summer Bash, Carter's opening game saw his side on the losing end in a dramatic match that went down to the final ball. Carter posted a very admirable 32 off 20 - his side's top score - but could only post 142, to which the Tigers just about chased down in the most dramatic of fashions.

Brad Currie

Three matches into the T20 World Cup, and both Currie and his Scotland side have made an excellent account of themselves. They've won once - that coming in a crushing victory over Italy - before a narrow defeat to England on Saturday morning. Their opening defeat to West Indies was a close-run contest, too.

But what of Currie? Well, it's all really rather positive. The standout bowler in their game with West Indies, the medium pacer claimed two wickets: that of Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford. Another wicket followed in their win over Italy, and the same for their loss to England. But what's arguably more striking is his economy rate in the tournament, which stands at 6.22. An excellent start, then, for Currie in the World Cup.

Dan Ibrahim

Ibrahim's scheduled match with Taradale was abandoned on Saturday, meaning this one's a rather brief update. He'll be next in action this coming Saturday, when his Central Hawkes Bay team host Napier Tech.

George Thomas

Another to fall victim to the wet weather over in New Zealand, a ball was not to be bowled for Thomas' Cornwall meeting with Havelock on Saturday. They'll next travel to Taradale on Saturday for a One Day game.

Statement from Martin Richards, Acting Chair of Sussex Cricket

Sussex Cricket can confirm that Jatin Patel has stepped down from his role as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

Jatin joined the Board in March 2023 with a clear passion for widening access to cricket and strengthening pathways for those who are under-represented in the game. He brought valuable experience from rugby, alongside his involvement in recreational cricket in Sussex.

As an active member of the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Jatin played an important role in shaping our approach, increasing awareness of the challenges faced by under-represented groups and supporting the development of initiatives to help address them.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jatin for his contribution and for the thoughtful and considered manner in which he approached his work.

The Board continues its work to strengthen governance and ensure the long-term stability of Sussex Cricket.

We wish him well for the future.

Sussex Cricket Foundation Impact Report for 2025

Sussex Cricket can confirm three pre-season fixtures for our men's team as part of preparations for the forthcoming 2026 season.

Paul Farbrace's Sussex will host three counties - Kent, Durham and Hampshire - all at Hove in March ahead of our opening County Championship match of the campaign at Leicestershire on Friday, 3 April.

The pre-season schedule will begin with a two-day fixture against Kent, starting on Thursday, 19 March at Hove. Then, the week following, Durham will journey down to Hove for another two-day fixture - with that beginning on Tuesday, 24 March.

The final fixture will see Sussex host Hampshire - again a two-day fixture - with that starting on Saturday, 28 March.

Entry to all these friendlies will be free, with no tickets required. Play will commence at 11am unless otherwise communicated.

John Barclay to Step Down as Non-Executive Director 

Sussex Cricket can confirm that Johnny Barclay has stepped down from his role as a Non-Executive Director of the Club.

Johnny has been an ever-present figure in Sussex cricket for many decades. A former Sussex captain, he led the side that finished runners-up in the 1981 County Championship, narrowly missing out on the title, and remains one of the most respected figures of his generation. After his playing career, he served on the Board, both before and after his time as President of the Club.

His knowledge of the Club, deep understanding of the game and wise counsel around the Board table have been valued enormously. Quite simply, Johnny embodies the very best of Sussex cricket and his contribution, both on and off the field, has left a lasting mark.

Johnny has taken this decision following careful reflection in light of recent events at the Club. As always, he has acted in what he believes to be the best interests of Sussex Cricket.

On behalf of everyone connected with the Club, I would like to thank Johnny for his integrity, dedication and unwavering commitment over so many years. His presence and constant good humour will be greatly missed at Board level.

I am pleased that Johnny intends to remain involved through the Sussex Cricket Foundation, where his experience and passion will continue to benefit the wider Sussex cricket community.

As outlined at the Members’ Forum earlier this week, the Club is continuing its evolutionary and stable approach to transformational change, including the ongoing review and refresh of Board structures. We remain focused on strengthening governance, ensuring long-term financial stability and acting always in the best interests of Sussex Cricket.

Martin Richards
Acting Chair
Sussex Cricket

The T20 World Cup is in full swing and Sussex's representatives have already played a key part. Elsewhere, Anna Buckle continues to shine and there are more runs and wickets in New Zealand for Dan Ibrahim and George Thomas. It's the 12th edition of this Winter Watch series, and we'll start with a nailbiter for Jofra Archer and England in Mumbai.

Jofra Archer

England's T20 campaign commenced with a tense finale as Nepal came up just short against 2022 champions. Archer played a very small role with the bat, making just 1 from 3 deliveries, before bowling rather well up until his final over with the ball. Going for three sixes in a row in the penultimate over, Nepal required just 10 to win from the final six deliveries, where Sam Curran sealed the victory with some excellent death bowling.

Archer did claim a wicket in the match as England just about scraped victory in the tournament's opener. Up next: West Indies. With this fixture taking place on Wednesday at 13.30 GMT.

Anna Buckle

For Buckle her winter continues to reach new heights with yet another stellar outing with the ball, albeit in heavy defeat at the hands of Greater Hunter Coast.

Having been skittled rather cheaply, it was always going to be an uphill battle for Buckle and her bowling cohort, yet the Sussex seamer gave yet another excellent account of herself, taking one wicket from her six over spell whilst yielding just 15 runs.

Oli Carter

Following the recent highs with the bat, this past weekend's performance wasn't quite up to the same standard as Carter and his Sturt side struggled for runs in defeat to Port Adelaide. They could only muster 74 in the opening innings, but things improved shortly after when they made 199 in the second innings. Still, it wasn't quite to be for Carter and co. this past weekend.

Brad Currie

Well, now. Two outings to report on here, and two outings of pure merit for Currie whose Scotland side have a win and loss to their name already in the T20 World Cup. Defeat to West Indies was perhaps the probable outcome, yet Scotland performed valiantly and Currie was outstanding, claiming figures of: 4-0-23-2.

Fast forward to this morning, and Currie would claim another wicket. This time, Scotland were victorious: a smashing 73-run success over Italy. What's more impressive, still, is that after six overs bowled in this tournament, Currie's economy rate is still below 6.

Dan Ibrahim

On the losing side this time around for Central Hawkes Bay, but Ibrahim has proved to be one of the most consistent bats in the line-up and here there was more quality on display. Top scoring with 72, he helped his side to a competitive total of 211, though it was chased down with five overs to spare. Ibrahim also took a wicket, and bowled economically from his eight over spell.

George Thomas

A crunching 230-run win at the weekend for Thomas' Cornwall, you'd half expected the Sussex man to have played a leading role in the victory after the winter he has had, but for a change it was his teammates who had to do the bulk of the work. Even with the ball he didn't get an opportunity, though his talents were not required here as they cruised to a comfortable win.

Alfie Pyle, Jake Vosloo and Liam O'Brien

Push the World Cup aside for a moment, for history was made in India just last week as England Disability travelled for their first overseas tour. And what a success it was as Sussex trio Alfie Pyle, Jake Vosloo and Liam O'Brien played a pivotal role in steering England to a 4-1 series win over their hosts.

In the five IT20 matches, all three played in every match. Pyle took four wickets, bowled beautifully, and was a key outlet with the ball throughout. Jake Vosloo made history in the opening match when he became the youngest ever disability cricketer to represent England - a quite wonderful feat. He took two wickets in the series, bowling similarly expertly at a consistent level. 

And Liam O'Brien was perhaps the standout player in the series, scoring 248 runs at an average of just below 50. He hit four half centuries, and even took two wickets in his one spell with the ball. All in all, an outstanding showing from the entire England Disability side, who return with heads held high.

I can confirm, on behalf of the Club, that Jon Filby has stepped down with immediate effect from his role as Chair of Sussex Cricket.

 Jon has served as Chair since April 2022 and has given a significant amount of time and energy to the Club during a difficult period. On behalf of Sussex Cricket, I would like to thank him for his service.

The Vice Chair, Martin Richards, will act as Chair on an interim basis until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March. An independent Board Review, as part of the ECB Framework and CPA Agreements, will commence imminently, alongside a planned process to recruit and appoint new Directors, including a new Chair.

I also want to respond directly to the open letter published this week and to the strength of feeling it reflects. We fully understand the emotions behind it. Poor financial performance has left the Club in a position where we have had to seek support from the ECB and now face sporting sanctions. We know many former players, sponsors and members care deeply about Sussex Cricket, and we hear their concerns clearly.

I can only apologise, on behalf of the Club, for the position we are in. But I would ask everyone who cares about Sussex to allow us the opportunity to put things right. It will mean change, but it also requires stability, and we will be far stronger together. We will not shirk the challenge ahead, and we welcome all forms of constructive dialogue.

Alongside these governance steps, work to address the Club’s financial position is already under way, with further actions being progressed to place Sussex Cricket on a more sustainable footing.

On Monday evening we will hold a Members’ Forum. Martin Richards, Paul Farbrace and I will be present. The purpose of that forum is to provide members with insight into the challenges the Club faces, how we are addressing them, and to hear concerns and answer questions. We expect that conversation to be robust, and we welcome it.

Sussex Cricket has a proud history and an incredibly loyal supporter base. Rebuilding trust will take time, but we are determined to do so and put the Club on a more stable footing for the future.

 Mark West

Interim CEO

Sussex Cricket  

Mark West to continue as Interim Chief Executive of Sussex Cricket

Sussex Cricket has confirmed that Mark West will continue in his role as Interim Chief Executive as the Club enters the next phase following the recent ECB Framework Agreement.

West, who took on the role in October, will be tasked with leading the Club through a period of reform and stabilisation and into 2027, providing continuity and clear leadership as Sussex works to restore long-term sustainability.

Chair Jon Filby said:

“Mark has made a strong start in challenging circumstances and has quickly earned the confidence of the Board, Paul Farbrace and the playing group.

He has brought clarity and focus at a time when the Club needed stability, and we believe he is the right person to lead Sussex through this next phase.

Mark has the judgement and experience to guide the Club forward, while continuing to build on the progress being made on the pitch.”

Head Coach Paul Farbrace added:
“From a cricket perspective, Mark has been supportive and very present from the moment he arrived. 

He understands the importance of clarity and trust, and that has been felt by players and staff as we prepare for the season ahead.

His leadership has brought a sense of stability, which has allowed me and the coaching staff to focus fully on the cricketing priorities as we build towards the new season.”

Mark West said:
“I’m grateful for the confidence that has been placed in me and I’m fully committed to the challenge ahead. 

Sussex Cricket has been part of this county for well over a century. It’s a Club with deep roots, a proud history and an incredibly loyal supporter base, and that is one of our greatest strengths.

We must reconnect the Club with its members, its local community and its local businesses, and ensure people feel proud to be part of Sussex again.

There is a huge amount of goodwill around this Club. My focus is on harnessing that support and turning it into long-term relationships that help create stability and sustainability off the pitch.

There is a lot of work to do, but we have a clear plan in place and a shared determination to move the Club forward.”

West brings extensive senior leadership experience from UK and international organisations, with a strong track record of leading change in complex and regulated environments.

His executive career includes senior roles with organisations such as Breedon Group plc, Harrods Ltd, JAB Luxury GmbH and Stanley Gibbons Group plc.

Alongside his professional background, he is a long-standing cricket supporter with a genuine affection for the game. An avid follower of English cricket, he has travelled widely to watch England play overseas and is a Trustee of the Sussex Cricket Museum, reflecting his long-standing connection to the Club and the county.

Members' Forum - 9th February 

A Members' Forum will take place on Monday 9th February at 6pm in the Dean Wilson Boundary Rooms. 

The Forum will be hosted by Mark West, Paul Farbrace and Martin Richards. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the recent news regarding the Club's financial position.

Sussex Cricket has entered into a three-year financial framework with the ECB following a period of financial difficulty for the Club.

The framework has been agreed after sustained operating losses in the last financial year and is intended to provide stability while changes are made to strengthen how the Club is run.

As part of the agreement, Sussex Cricket will operate under enhanced financial oversight and governance arrangements. The framework also provides access to funding from the Club’s future central distributions to support short-term stability while reforms are implemented.

As a result of entering the framework, Sussex will be subject to a points sanction across the men’s professional competitions in the 2026 season. The Club will face a 12-point deduction in the County Championship and a one-point deduction in each of the two limited-overs competitions.

Interim Chief Executive Mark West said: “We fully understand how disappointing this news will be for everyone connected with Sussex Cricket.

"Since taking on the interim role at the end of last season, it has become clear that a combination of internal decisions and wider economic pressures have contributed to the position the Club finds itself in today.

"The points deductions will be an unexpected blow to the players and supporters, but we accept the ECB’s decision. We are sorry — it hasn’t been good enough. Our responsibility now is to put things right and ensure the Club is in a stronger position going forward.”

The new three-year financial framework agreed with the ECB introduces clearer financial safeguards and closer oversight. It will remain in place until 2029, and includes additional financial controls to ensure cricket operations are protected.

This includes enhanced governance and financial oversight, an independent review of the Board’s skills and effectiveness, and ECB observer rights at Board and relevant committee meetings.

There will be a player salary cap for the 2026–2028 seasons, and the club will provide the ECB with a three‑year business plan demonstrating sustainable year‑on‑year operating profits by 2027/28. 

The club has also been issued a suspended £100,000 fine, which will only be enforced if those conditions are breached. 

West added: “These measures provide assurance of a clear, sustainable pathway back to long‑term financial stability, and the loan will be fully repaid, under the terms, from future funding streams due.

“We are extremely grateful for the ECB’s support as we work through this period. This is the best possible way forward for the club, and while it has been a difficult few days for supporters, players and staff, we can now move forward positively. 

“As we look ahead to the new season, our focus is on making the club sustainable: we cannot expect to rely on central funds in the same way in the future — and any monies must be used in line with the ECB’s financial guardrails. 

“Our focus has to be on building our own revenue streams and sustainable growth on and off the field, to ultimately create an environment in which the team can thrive in all formats of the game.”