Essex County Cricket Club can today confirm that Rishi Patel is set to leave the Club and join Leicestershire.
The 22-year-old progressed through the Essex Academy and made 7 appearances across all formats for the Club, with his highest score of 35 coming against Yorkshire at The Cloudfm County Ground last year.
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Rishi and seeing another Academy graduate develop into the First Team squad.”
“However, we have a very talented group of players at the Club and it’s been difficult to guarantee a place in the starting XI with the success we have enjoyed in recent seasons.
“Rishi enjoyed his loan spell at Leicestershire last season and it’s an opportunity for him to play more cricket regularly in the next step of his career.”
Rishi Patel said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Essex County Cricket Club for making my dream come true and become a professional cricketer.
“The last two years have been amazing and I’ve learnt so much. I’d like to thank all the coaches and my teammates who made me feel so welcome from the moment I walked into the dressing room.
“It’s been a difficult decision to make, to walk away from the Club I have been part of since I was 7, but I’m looking forward to the new challenges that will arise.”
The Club would like to thank Rishi for his contribution during his time at Essex and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.
