Tom Alsop leaves Sussex to sign three-year deal with Gloucestershire

Tom Alsop will leave Sussex at the end of the season after the club decided to reduce costs following its placement under special measures by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The 30-year-old batter has signed a three-year contract with Gloucestershire and will begin the next chapter of his career ahead of the 2027 season.

Alsop had been widely linked with a move away from Hove after spending restrictions were imposed on Sussex. He becomes the latest player to depart the club, following promising fast bowler Henry Crocombe and experienced all-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace acknowledged that the club's financial challenges made Alsop's departure unavoidable. In a statement released by the club, Farbrace thanked the left-handed batter for his outstanding contribution both on and off the field during his time at Sussex and wished him success in the future.

"Despite exploring possibilities it's with a heavy heart that I've made this decision, knowing that the picture is uncertain over my future here with the club's financial position. I've loved playing for Sussex. I aim to remain a Hove resident long-term. However, I've got to think about my family and what's best going forward with an offer from Gloucestershire CCC and as professional cricketer at my stage security is very important. I can't thank everyone enough to those who have made my time so enjoyable here at Hove,” said Alsop as quoted Cricinfo.

"I'm delighted 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'm really looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead on and off the pitch. Being a Wiltshire lad, it'll also be nice to be closer to home too,” he added.

Alsop initially joined Sussex on loan from Hampshire in 2022 before making the move permanent. The left-handed batter has built a solid first-class record, averaging 37.59 with six centuries to his name.

However, opportunities in the County Championship have been limited this season, with Alsop featuring in just two matches as Sussex opted to back Tom Clark at No. 3 in the batting order. Despite his reduced red-ball involvement, he remained a regular in Sussex's T20 Blast campaign, though the club endured a difficult season and finished at the bottom of the South Group standings.

Alsop is currently representing Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred, adding to his growing experience in franchise cricket. He has previously featured for Trent Rockets in The Hundred and has also played overseas in the Big Bash League and the ILT20.

“Tom is a fantastic batter with the ability to perform across all formats. His experience in franchise cricket and the domestic game makes him a fantastic addition to our squad. He has been a consistent performer for Sussex, Trent Rockets, and Hampshire, and importantly, he has shown great resilience in the County Championship,” said Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire director of cricket.

"As Tom mentioned, he has strong links to the West Country, especially Wiltshire, so it's a delight to see him come to Bristol. Tom will be an important figure in our dressing room and help us continue to develop this squad,” he added.