Tom Alsop will leave Sussex at the end of the current season as the squad decided to reduce spending after being placed under special measures by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). After signing a three-year contract with Gloucestershire, the 30-year-old batsman will begin the next phase of his career before the 2027 season.
Tom Alsop has been frequently linked to a move away from Hove after Sussex was subjected to budgetary restrictions. He is the most recent player to depart the team, following potential fast bowler Henry Crocombe and seasoned all-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice.
Sussex’s head coach, Paul Farbrace, acknowledged that the club’s financial problems made Tom Alsop’s resignation inevitable.
In a statement released by the club, Farbrace wished the left-handed hitter continued success and commended him for his outstanding efforts both on and off the pitch during his time at Sussex.
“Even though I looked into options, I made this decision with a heavy heart since I know that my future here is uncertain given the club’s financial situation. Playing for Sussex has been a pleasure for me.
My long-term goal is to stay in Hove. But as a professional cricket player at my level, stability is crucial, and I have to consider my family and what’s best moving ahead with an offer from Gloucestershire CCC.
Alsop was reported by Cricinfo as saying, “I’m thrilled to sign for Gloucestershire; the club, via Jon Lewis, has a clear vision of where they want to get to and hopefully I can play my part in that. I can’t thank everyone enough to those who have made my time here at Hove so enjoyable.”
The prospects that lie ahead, both on and off the pitch, genuinely excite me. It will also be wonderful to be closer to home because I’m a Wiltshire boy,” he continued.
After first signing on loan, Tom Alsop relocated permanently from Hampshire to Sussex in 2022.
The left-handed hitter has a solid first-class record with six hundreds and an average of 37.59.
Due to Sussex’s decision to back Tom Clark at No. 3 in the batting order, Tom Alsop has only appeared in two County Championship games this season. Despite his reduced red-ball involvement, he continued to play frequently in Sussex’s T20 Blast campaign; nevertheless, the side had a difficult season and finished last in the South Group standings.
“Tom is an excellent batter who can play in any format. He is a great asset to our team because of his background in both domestic and franchise cricket. Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis stated, “He has been a reliable performer for Sussex, Trent Rockets, and Hampshire, and importantly, he has shown great resilience in the County Championship.
It’s a delight to see him come to Bristol because, as Tom mentioned, he has strong links to the West Country, especially Wiltshire.” Tom will play a significant role in our training room and aid in the team’s ongoing development,” he continued.
Tom Alsop is now playing for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred as part of his growing franchise cricket experience. He has played overseas in the Big Bash League and the ILT20, and he has previously been in The Hundred with the Trent Rockets.
