'Very disappointing' - Ravi Bopara after Sussex deny contract renewal

Veteran English all-rounder Ravi Bopara is set to part ways with Sussex Cricket after the club decided not to renew his T20 contract. Being the county’s T20 captain, Bopara was informed that he would not be offered a contract for 2024.

Bopara joined Sussex in 2019 and reached the T20 Blast finals with the team in 2021, however, the team finished sixth in the table and missed out on a spot in the quarterfinals. Notably, Bopara is Sussex’s leading run-getter in the ongoing 2023 Blast, having scored 408 runs at a strike rate of 146.23, including a century against Kent.

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old came forward to reflect on his time with Sussex and revealed that he was disappointed after coach Paul Farbrace told last week him that the club will not extend his contract.

"It was very disappointing to be told by Paul Farbrace last week that there was not to be an extension of my contract at the Club. This is particularly so after a very good season with bat and ball. Having said that, I’ve loved my time at Sussex. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with young players in the 2nd XI T20 matches and seeing some of the boys progress to the 1st team," Bopara was quoted by Sussex cricket.

"Seeing that progression and development has been incredibly satisfying. It’s been an absolute honour to have captained the 1st team in the T20 Blast and seeing the potential of our young team of players come through and finish the back end of the tournament strong has highlighted the progress we have made," he added.

Ravi has helped our young players with their development: Sussez head coach Paul Farbrace

Ahead of his departure, head coach Farbrace reflected on how Bopara has helped in the development of the younger players and how the entire club will miss his personality and presence.

“I have enjoyed working with Ravi this summer in the T20 Blast competition and of course wish him well as he moves on to new opportunities. He has played some excellent cricket for Sussex this year, including a superb hundred at Canterbury last week. Ravi has helped our young players with their development over the last couple of years that he has spent at Hove and we will miss his personality and experience at the Club," Farbrace said.