Solanki makes Surrey switch

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Former England batsman Vikram Solanki is to join Surrey next season, ending a 20-year association with Worcestershire.

The 36-year-old has spent his entire professional career at New Road, making his List A debut in 1993 and his first-class bow two years later.

He has gone on to tally over 16,000 first-class runs, 10,000 in List A cricket and more than 1,000 in Twenty20s.

Solanki also captained the county for five years and has been the chairman of the Professional Cricketers’ Association since 2008.

His current deal with Worcestershire expires at the end of the season and the county were unable to offer financial assurances over a new contract when talks between the parties began.

Vikram Solanki will end his 20-year association with Worcestershire upon the completion of this season after signing a deal with Surrey

Instead, the veteran batsman was allowed to speak to other clubs, with Surrey sealing his signature.

Solanki said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Worcestershire for giving me my chance all of those years ago.

“I have many, many fond memories with the club both on and off the pitch with players, staff and supporters alike and the decision to end our long relationship has not been easy.

“In recent weeks, with my contract ending and the club unsure of their direction for me, I’ve been able to discuss opportunities with interested counties. It’s been from these discussions that Surrey CCC have offered me an exciting chance to finish my career at the Kia Oval.

“I can assure all of my fellow players and county members, that until the end of the season, I will give my absolute all to Worcestershire CCC.”

The club’s chief executive David Leatherdale added: “It is with regret that Worcestershire CCC and Vikram Solanki have agreed that he will leave the county at the end of the present season.

“The club fully understood Vikram’s wish to have greater certainty about his future and gave permission for him to talk to other counties due to his long standing at the club.

“We understand Vikram has now received and accepted an offer from Surrey and, therefore, reluctantly Vikram will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

“The club and its supporters thank Vikram for his 20 years of service to the county, and for his elegant batting and successful captaincy. Vikram will always receive a warm welcome at New Road and we wish him the very best for the future.”

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