Harris ends Sussex stay

Ryan Harris has terminated his deal with champions Sussex

Australian all-rounder Ryan Harris has terminated his contract with LV county champions Sussex because he is no longer eligible to play under his British passport.

The ECB cleared Harris to play domestic cricket last week but he has since signed a three-year contract as a non-overseas player for Australia outfit Queensland Bulls.

This means the 28-year-old, who joined the county during the winter, is no longer able to play as a non-overseas player in the UK.

His decision to quit Sussex comes in light of the prominence of former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as the sole non-EU qualified player the county can field.

Sussex chief executive Gus Mackay said: “This has been a very difficult decision for Ryan but the only decision he could make after it was announced on Wednesday that he had signed a three-year contract with the Queensland Bulls to play as a local player and not as an overseas player.”

Harris began Sussex’s season curtain-raiser against MCC at Lord’s last week but was withdrawn during the game when doubts emerged about his eligibility.

He was subsequently left out of the side against Hampshire in the LV County Championship opener at the Rose Bowl.

Mackay added: “This is extremely disappointing for the club given that Ryan is an exciting cricketer who we were looking forward to being part of our title defence.

“His departure will, however, give the opportunity to other players within our squad and in the meantime we will continue to search for a replacement.”