Sussex chairman quits in wake of points deductions

Sussex chairman Jon Filby has resigned in the wake of the county's financial difficulties which have left them facing points deductions for next season.

Filby, Sussex chairman since 2022, leaves the role after the club – having reported sustained operating losses – were placed under tighter financial controls by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), including a player salary cap for the next two years and docked points in all three competitions for 2026.

Several former Sussex players, including ex-England wicketkeeper Matt Prior and ex-Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, signed an open letter on Friday calling on the current board to stand down.

Filby had been due to attend a members' forum at Hove on Monday alongside acting chief executive Mark West and head coach Paul Farbrace.

However, West confirmed in a statement , externalthat vice-chairman Martin Richards was stepping up on an interim basis until the club's annual general meeting in March, and would attend in Filby's place.

"Jon has given a significant amount of time and energy to the club during a difficult period," said West. "On behalf of Sussex Cricket, I would like to thank him for his service.

"I also want to respond directly to the open letter published this week and to the strength of feeling it reflects. We fully understand the emotions behind it.

"Poor financial performance has left the club in a position where we have had to seek support from the ECB and now face sporting sanctions.

"We know many former players, sponsors and members care deeply about Sussex Cricket, and we hear their concerns clearly. I can only apologise, on behalf of the club, for the position we are in.

"But I would ask everyone who cares about Sussex to allow us the opportunity to put things right. It will mean change, but it also requires stability, and we will be far stronger together."