The Players Club

The origins of The Players Club date back to 2002, when Sussex were looking to retain the services of big-scoring Zimbabwean batsman Murray Goodwin, and add a second overseas player in leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed. 

With the ECB proposing a one-man limit on overseas players at the time, it seemed as though Goodwin had played his final game for the club once Pakistan international Ahmed was confirmed as a Sussex player. 

The ECB eventually backtracked on their planned one-player limit, opening the door for Goodwin to continue his career on the south coast - but now that the squad had been set for the 2003 campaign, the playing budget had been maximised, casting further uncertainty for the popular top-order batsman. 

Realising the opportunity that Sussex had to build a genuine title-winning team, the legendary Peter Moores formally requested that the Sussex Cricket Committee allowed him the opportunity to privately raise the required funds to keep Goodwin at the club. Thankfully, Mike Borrisow, Chairman of then-Main Club Sponsor PAVit, contributed a substantial donation to the cause. This was then quickly followed by a group of around 20-supporters who all committed £3,000 each. 

The Overseas Club was born (and promptly renamed The Players Club to relinquish any unneccesary pressure on Overseas Players), Goodwin remained at Hove, and a huge role alongside ‘Mushy’ as Sussex claimed their first ever County Championship Division One title in 2003, and subsequent title victories in 2006 and 2007, as part of the club’s golden decade.

The Players Club continues to play a vital role at Sussex Cricket. A close-knit, sociable group of successful local business owners, they regularly organise events - both locally, at The County Ground, and even internationally, supporting Sussex Cricket on tour over land and sea. 

Most recently, in 2026, The Players Club spearheaded fundraising efforts to send the Sussex first-team squad on a warm-weather training camp in Cape Town, South Africa ahead of the season. 

Beyond providing financial backing and support, The Players Club also provides business and employment opportunities for former Sussex players, as well as all means of other support for players - whether retired, in the first-team or breaking through the club’s academy.