Durham Cricket is disappointed to announce that Chris Rushworth has left the club due to personal circumstances. The club have reluctantly agreed to let Chris leave and fully understand his decision.
Rushworth, who has spent the past 12 seasons with Durham will depart the club to explore new opportunities outside of the area, with Durham supporting the reasons behind his fresh start outside of the county.
A legend of Durham Cricket he made history in 2021 when he became Durham’s all-time leading wicket taker in first-class cricket taking his 528th wicket, moving ahead of Graham Onions into top spot.
He played his part in Durham’s 2013 County Championship winning season with 54 wickets – while he enjoyed cup success in 2014 helping Durham lift the Royal London Cup.
On top of his stellar first-class record, Chris has 140 List A wickets and 78 T20 wickets; helping Durham reach T20 finals day in 2016 and the 2021 Royal London Cup Final.
Speaking about his departure from Durham, Rushworth said: “My decision to leave Durham was far from easy, made after lengthy consideration. But I have to state, that this decision has been made for personal reasons alone and not cricketing reasons. For that reason, I give a heartfelt thank you to Tim, Marcus and the club for allowing me to leave.
“Durham is, and has always been my club, and that will continue to be the case in the future. I’ve been incredibly lucky and I’m very proud to have been able to represent the club for so long, and the memories I’ve made playing for Durham will last forever.
“I want to thank everyone involved in my journey, from coaches, captains, players, support staff and most importantly to the supporters and members. I’d like to think I gave my all whenever I took to the field for Durham and knowing I won’t wear the 4 lions on my chest again is very emotional. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“I want to wish everyone at Durham all the success in the world going forward.”
Chief Executive Tim Bostock said: It’s a sad day when someone as prominent as Chris Rushworth moves on but we completely respect and understand his reasons for a fresh start.
“Chris has been a fantastic mentor to our young group of players and will remain in the history books forever. Chris will always be regarded as one of the greatest Durham players and we wish him every success for the future, he is welcome back here any time he wishes.”
Marcus North Director of Cricket added: “I would like to congratulate Chris on what he has achieved here at Durham Cricket. Chris is a club legend and his career is an example to all young cricketers of what you can achieve when you combine talent with hard work and perseverance.
“Whilst we are sad to see Chris leave we understand his circumstances and I would like to thank Chris for his dedication and service to the club. He goes with our best wishes and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.”
Durham Cricket Chairman, Sir Ian Botham, said: “Chris is one of the best seam bowlers to grace the game in this country and to have him playing at Durham, his home county, for all these years has been an absolute privilege.
“Both on and off the field he has shown an incredible amount of commitment to Durham and his work ethic for the county he loves can be seen by everyone.
“It will be strange not seeing Chris out there bowling with the new ball in hand, but on behalf of myself and everyone at Durham Cricket, I would like to wish him the very best in his new chapter.”