Leadership exits and growing unrest shake Sussex Cricket
Sussex Cricket has entered a pivotal moment in its recent history as long-standing financial instability and widespread internal dissatisfaction have forced a dramatic change at the top.
Acting Chief Executive Mark West confirmed the leadership change in an official statement, saying, “I can confirm, on behalf of the Club, that Jon Filby has stepped down with immediate effect from his role as Chair of Sussex Cricket.” The resignation came two days after a strongly worded open letter from former players called on the board to step aside and allow a new leadership group to take charge.
“Jon has served as Chair since April 2022 and has given a significant amount of time and energy to the Club during a difficult period,” West said, adding, “On behalf of Sussex Cricket, I would like to thank him for his service.”
ECB sanctions and calls for accountability fuel pressure
The change in leadership comes in the wake of damaging financial disclosures and intervention from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Sussex, which has been operating under sustained losses, has now been placed under tighter controls by the ECB. These include a salary cap for the playing squad, as well as confirmed points deductions across all three domestic competitions for the 2026 season.
“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,” West said, acknowledging the depth of the crisis.
Tensions reached a breaking point after the open letter from ex-players was made public, prompting West to directly address the criticism. “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,” he stated.
He continued, “We know many former players, sponsors and members care deeply about Sussex Cricket, and we hear their concerns clearly.”
Interim leadership, structural reforms on the way
In response to the leadership vacuum, West confirmed that “The Vice Chair, Martin Richards, will act as Chair on an interim basis until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March.”
He further revealed upcoming governance changes: “An independent Board Review, as part of the ECB Framework and CPA Agreements, will commence imminently, alongside a planned process to recruit and appoint new Directors, including a new Chair.”
While acknowledging the club’s current predicament, West also offered a message of hope. “I can only apologise, on behalf of the Club, for the position we are in,” he said. “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.”
Financial overhaul and stakeholder engagement efforts begin
The acting Chief Executive emphasized that Sussex Cricket is not waiting to act. “Alongside these governance steps, work to address the Club’s financial position is already under way, with further actions being progressed to place Sussex Cricket on a more sustainable footing,” he said.
A major step in re-establishing trust and transparency begins with direct communication. “On Monday evening we will hold a Members’ Forum. Martin Richards, Paul Farbrace and I will be present. The purpose of that forum is to provide members with insight into the challenges the Club faces, how we are addressing them, and to hear concerns and answer questions. We expect that conversation to be robust, and we welcome it,” West announced.
Rebuilding public faith in Sussex Cricket is clearly a priority. “We will not shirk the challenge ahead, and we welcome all forms of constructive dialogue,” he said.
West closed his statement with a long-term view: “Sussex Cricket has a proud history and an incredibly loyal supporter base. Rebuilding trust will take time, but we are determined to do so and put the Club on a more stable footing for the future.”
As Sussex Cricket navigates one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history, the coming months will test both its internal resolve and its relationship with the wider cricketing community. With governance reforms underway and new leadership stepping in, the club must now convert statements of intent into meaningful change — not just to recover lost ground, but to rebuild long-term trust with its members, players, and supporters.
