Sussex have been handed a 12-point deduction before the start of the 2026 County Championship season and placed under an ECB business plan due to unsustainable losses.
The club is expected to present a shortfall of £800,000 in 2025, having already recorded an operating loss of £297,000 in 2024 with salaries restricted until 2028
Further point deductions have been given in the T20 Blast and One Day Cup as hopes of survival in Division One of the championship have been hit.
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Uphill battle
Sussex will begin their third season in Division One of the County Championship on -12 points equivalent to half the points gained during a victory with all batting and bowling points.
The Hove side’s chances of avoiding a first relegation from the top tier have taken a huge hit after returning to the top tier last season.
The Sharks progressed into T20 Blast finals day on two occasions in the last five tournaments, in 2024 and 2021, eliminated in the semi-finals.
A semi-final place in the 2024 One Day Cup was another highlight of their victorious 2024 season.
But hopes of knockout cricket in 2026 have also been struck by a point deduction in both limited overs competitions.
The club has been threatened by points deductions in 2027 and 2028 if terms of ECB assistance are not met, with restricted men’s salaries until 2028.
A structured loan has been offered to the south coast club under ECB-organised special measures, with strict orders to cut operating losses.
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Recent success
A strong period of success started when ex-England assistant coach Paul Farbrace was appointed head coach ahead of the 2023 season after his exit from Warwickshire.
During his first County Championship season, the red-ball side finished third in Division Two and just 17
points adrift of promoted Worcestershire and champions Durham.
Signings flooded in as Indian great Cheteshwar Pujara led the batting line-up from 2022 to 2024, securing an average of 110 earning two centuries.
A three-match spell for former Australian test captain Steve Smith ahead of the 2023 Ashes raised eyebrows as well, scoring 89 runs against Glamorgan.
West Indies speedster Jayden Seales however, became the most influential overseas signing, taking 38 wickets at a sharp average of 25 runs.
Domestic talent was also developed as local-born Tom Haines secured his place in the England Lions, including the tour of Australia ahead of the away Ashes in 2025 and 2026.
A first trophy was won in 14 years as the Martlets won Division Two with eight wins, followed by a fourth place finish in 2025.
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